City Connects initiative expanded to include 13 Limerick schools

**City Connects Programme Expands to Include 13 Schools in Limerick**

Limerick, Ireland – The Department of Education and Youth announced that the City Connects initiative will be extended to a further 13 schools in Limerick, bringing the whole‑school support programme to a broader cohort of pupils.

City Connects, which is delivered in partnership with Tusla Education Support Service and the National Centre for City Connects Ireland, adopts a whole‑school approach aimed at mitigating out‑of‑school factors that can hinder attendance, learning and wellbeing. A dedicated City Connects coordinator will work with each participating school to identify the strengths, interests and needs of individual children and to link them with appropriate in‑school and community‑based resources and enrichment activities.

The schools selected for the expansion are:

* St Michael’s Infant School, Sexton Street
* Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Rosbrien
* Presentation Primary School, Sexton Street
* Thomond Primary School, Ballynanty
* St Mary’s National School, Bishop Street
* Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy, Bóthar Bhaile An Róistigh
* St John’s Girls and Infant Boys National School, Cathedral Place
* Corpus Christi National School, Moyross
* Our Lady Queen of Peace National School, Janesboro
* Scoil Íosagáin CBS, Sexton Street
* St John the Baptist, Downey Street
* Le Chéile National School, Roxboro Road
* Thomond Community College, Moylish Park

Minister for Youth and Education Hildegard Naughton said the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to addressing educational disadvantage. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. The expansion of City Connects to Limerick City and Tallaght demonstrates this Government’s commitment to tackling educational disadvantage and ensuring that children and young people have access to the supports they need to thrive in school and in life,” she said.

Limerick City and County Council welcomed the development. Mayor John Moran thanked Minister Naughton for the inclusion of Limerick schools in the programme and highlighted the role of council staff in facilitating the rollout. “Easy access to education for all is essential for the future of not just the kids and families involved but all of society. I also want to acknowledge and thank the staff of Limerick City and County Council who have worked closely with national agencies, schools and local stakeholders to help bring this programme to Limerick. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone,” Moran said.

The expansion is part of an ongoing effort to provide coordinated support for children facing barriers to education, with the aim of improving attendance, academic outcomes and overall wellbeing across the participating schools.

Article and image source: limerickleader.ie