Thousands of students across Louth are set to benefit from the Government’s Free Schoolbooks Scheme.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton has confirmed that around 31,141 young people in the county will receive support under the scheme, which aims to reduce the cost of education for families.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to ease back to school expenses and ensure students have access to the materials they need.
More than €5.3 million has been allocated to schools across Louth under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme.
A total of €5,335,876 has been provided, including €3,972,676 for post primary schools and €1,363,200 for primary schools. The funding will ensure that students at both levels receive free schoolbooks and core classroom resources.
In total, 92 schools across Louth are benefiting from the scheme this year, including 19 post primary schools and 73 primary schools, supporting students in communities across the county.
Speaking today, Minister Naughton said:
“The Free Schoolbooks Scheme is making a real difference for families by easing back-to-school costs and ensuring that every child and young person in our schools has the resources they need to learn and succeed. In Louth, around 31,141 students will benefit directly from this significant investment.
“By providing funding directly to schools, the Government is removing the cost of books and resources as a barrier to participation in education and supporting greater equity and consistency in classrooms. The Free Schoolbooks Scheme covers schoolbooks and a range of essential classroom resources, removing the need for parents and guardians to purchase or rent these items at the start of the school year.”
The Minister also acknowledged the work of school staff across the county:
“I want to thank principals, teachers and school staff throughout Louth for their work in implementing this scheme. Their efforts are ensuring that students benefit fully from this important Government support.”
The Department of Education and Youth said it will continue to work closely with schools to support the delivery of the scheme and to help reduce the cost of education for families nationwide.
