The RISE Community Fund has awarded a cash grant to Carlow Educate Together National School as part of its new national programme to provide cash injections to schools in every county throughout 2026.  

Supporting technology investments that enhance digital learning and maximise the benefits of high-speed broadband connectivity, The RISE Community Fund is backed by National Broadband Ireland and partners involved in the delivery of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, including KPMG, DreamDev Technologies, TLI Group, Entegro, Obelisk and Circet.

Carlow Educate Together National School is a welcoming primary school located north of Carlow town. First opened in 2008, the Educate Together school on Athy Road is the only multi-denominational school in Carlow County, and has worked hard to create a modern environment with strong digital capabilities.

Simon Lewis, Principal at Carlow Educate Together National School, said: “As a school, we strive every day to create a happy and safe environment for everybody by cherishing difference and respecting ourselves and others. Carlow Educate Together is a 16-classroom school with two autism classes. We are delighted to receive the RISE grant and hope to increase the number of Chromebooks in our school to further support children’s learning, particularly in Maths and English.”

Established by David McCourt, the RISE Community Fund has awarded close to 200 cash grants nationwide to rural schools, community groups, farms, small businesses and social enterprises seeking to use technology to scale the positive impact of their work. 

Commenting on the grant, David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland and founder of the RISE Community Fund, said: “When we created RISE, it was with a clear purpose – to ensure that rural communities could fully benefit from the transformative power of connectivity. As the National Broadband Plan progresses towards completion, it’s vital that our schools are equipped not just with access to broadband, but with the technology that allows them to use it effectively. Carlow Educate Together National School has done a fantastic job investing in technology to empower their young pupils, and now we’re delighted to accelerate that further with this grant.”

Through its 2026 national schools programme, RISE aims to ensure that children in rural Ireland can fully benefit from digital connectivity and develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven world.

John Rooney, CEO of Entegro, commented:“Entegro is proud to support the RISE Community Fund as part of our ongoing partnership with NBI on the National Broadband Plan. We see first-hand the positive impact that high-speed fibre broadband is having in rural communities, and initiatives like this help ensure that schools and students can fully benefit from improved connectivity. Supporting young people to engage with digital opportunities is key to building stronger, more connected communities for the future.”

Damien Gallagher, Managing Director (Ireland) at Circet, said: “Circet is proud to be one of NBI’s delivery partners for the National Broadband Plan, and we’re delighted to support the RISE Community Fund and the opportunities it creates for schools across the country. The rollout of high-speed broadband is transforming rural communities, and this initiative helps ensure young people can explore and benefit from the digital possibilities it brings.”

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Carlow residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect and to find out more about placing an order.

Further information about the RISE Community Fund is available at www.riseglobalfoundation.com.