Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin secondary schools get high-speed broadband

Meath Dáil deputies Noel Dempsey and Mary Wallace have welcomed Communications Minister Eamon Ryan"s announcement that two post-primary schools in Meath are to receive upgraded high-speed broadband. Minister for Transport Mr Dempsey said the two schools selected to partake in the 100mpbs post-primary schools project, which will deliver high-speed broadband connectivity, are St Peter"s College, Dunboyne, and Dunshaughlin Community College. 'This is great news for both of these excellent Meath schools and their ambitious pupils,' Mr Dempsey said. 'The delivery of high-speed wireless connectivity to these post-primary schools will greatly enhance the potential of information communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning. It will open up a world of opportunity for schoolchildren and deliver cutting edge multimedia applications into classrooms, which will make active learning more enjoyable for all involved. The earlier our young people become skilled in ICT, the better. These are valuable skills that will assist them throughout their lives.' Mr Dempsey added: 'I am particularity pleased that, even in these times of economic constraint, that these two schools in Meath are benefiting from this new investment. This recognises the dedication and commitment of teachers and pupils in both schools. I know from speaking to teachers and schoolkids just what a difference ICT can make in the classroom.' Meath East TD Mary Wallace is also delighted that St Peter"s College and Dunshaughlin Community College are to get high-speed wireless broadband connectivity as part of the Government"s pilot plan to give students instant internet access anywhere in the school. Under the existing schools" broadband programme, primary and post-primary schools in Ireland can access a basic level of broadband. Students in these schools will be able to benefit from high-speed wireless broadband, meaning that students will be able to upload and download material faster, access high-volume digital educational content and connect instantly to websites from any part of the school. It is expected that the speeds will be similar to those offered to high-end national and multinational companies operating here. Deputy Wallace welcomed the 'enormous strides' the Government is taking in developing schools" ICT capacity. Over €16 million has been invested in the ICT in schools programme nationwide. This development is the result of co-operation between the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority, HEAnet and the National Centre for Technology in Education. Communications Minister Eamon Ryan launched the 100mpbs Post-Primary Schools Project, which will deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to second-level schools across the country. An investment of some €16 million for the first 78 schools taking part in the project was announced at the Digital Hub Learning Studio. He explained: 'A class learning French in Dublin could talk in real time with a class in France. A Leaving Certificate physics student will be able to take part in Ivy League lectures and experiments. With this level of connectivity, the opportunities for interaction and collaboration are unlimited.' Schools have been selected against various criteria, including geographical location, and an adequate mix of schools to ensure broad social inclusion. This project is the result of co-operation between the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority, HEAnet and the National Centre for Technology in Education. Dunshaughlin Community College is one of the 'Schools of the Future" chosen to participate in a pilot scheme by Bill Gates of Microsoft.