Meta announces Community Action Grants for 14 projects in Meath

Meta has announced the recipients of the 2022 Community Action Grants in Meath, where its Clonee Data Centre is located, granting funds to 14 local projects.

This is the fourth year of the programme, which was created by Meta (formerly Facebook) to support the community by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off, and improving STEM education.

This year’s recipients include Coole National School, who will supply devices to students to support STEM education; Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath, who will pilot a Smart and Assistive Technology Training programme, and provide devices, for teens with down syndrome in Meath; Irish Wheelchair Association, to provide technology and programmes for developing skills, creativity and collaboration; and Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, to capture stories of community, folklore and culture of the past and present in Rath Chairn.

Announcing the recipients, Aoife Flynn, Community Development Manager at Meta said: We’re delighted to support these 14 deserving and innovative programmes through our Community Action Grants programme. We are incredibly proud to be part of the Meath community, and take great pride in the positive role the Community Action Grants can play in investing in the long-term vitality of our local community. We’d like to remind local organisations to keep an eye out on our Facebook Clonee Data Centre Page for information on how to apply for 2023 grants.”

Cllr Nick Killian, Cathaoirleach, Ratoath Municipal District Council, commented: “Now in its fourth year, it’s wonderful to see another 14 schools and charitable organisations recognised and funded for their great work by the Meta Community Action Grants. From supplying STEM kits to empower confident and creative STEM learners, to providing technology that enables young people and volunteers to create in 3D, I’m delighted to welcome these investments in the future of our community. We are proud to have Meta in the Ratoath District, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come."

The Community Action Grants programme is implemented in every community in which Meta has an operating data centre. Since the launch of the Community Action Grants in 2019 in County Meath, Meta has invested over €700,000 in the community and its residents through the funding of 57 community projects.

The recipients include recipients Ardcath National School who will reeive €419 to provide STEM boxes for pupils to creatively apply their science skills and knowledge and Coole National School who will get €10,000 to supply devices to students at this rural school to support STEM education.

Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath is getting €11,220 to pilot a Smart and Assistive Technology Training programme, and provide devices, for teens with down syndrome in Meath, while Dunboyne Senior Primary School will receive €20,926 to develop STEM interest in conservation and sustainability for students.

A sum of €10,000 will go to Sona Sásta Meals on Wheels Summerhill to provide devices, training and chances to connect online to improve digital literacy for seniors.

The Irish Wheelchair Association will receive €14,708 to provide technology and programmes for developing skills, creativity and collaboration

Rathregan National School will get €20,715 to supply STEM kits to empower confident and creative STEM learners while Scoil Bhríde, Clonee will get €19,069 to provide technology to enable digital learning that fosters engagement at school and at home,

A sum of €24,888 will be given to Scoil Bhríde Primary School, Cannistown to deliver STEM activities for all levels of learning from junior infants to sixth class while a cross-generational project to provide digital learning for children, while supporting the Cyber Seniors Initiative at Scoil Mhuire Naofa will get €21,564.

Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh is to receive €12,997 to capture stories of community, folklore and culture of the past and present in Rath Chairn.

St Mary's School, Trim is getting €3,913 to empower STEM access and engagement for students at this predominantly girls’ school while St Peter's College, Dunboyne will get €9,990 to support the student film and video production club and improve digital media training.

Youth Work Ireland Meath will get €5,820 to provide technology that enables young people and volunteers to create in 3D.

Applications for the 2023 Meta Community Action Grants programme will open later this year. Visit the Clonee Data Centre Facebook page for the latest information.

Meta’s Data Centre in Clonee has been part of the Meath community since 2016 when they broke ground on the data centre. Since then, Meta has invested in County Meath and its residents through a number of initiatives such as the Community Action Grants, support of the Meath Library service Laptop for Loan , Prosper Meath, Trim Family Resource Centre and other community resources.