Offaly primary school to buy 3D printer with grant from broadband fund

Scoil Náisiúnta Suí an Róin in Shinrone has been chosen as an Offaly recipient of a grant from a community fund backed by National Broadband Ireland.

The fund, known as the RISE Community Fund, has a new national programme providing cash injections to schools in each county throughout 2026.

In Shinrone, the grant awarded to Scoil Náisiúnta Suí an Róin will enable it to purchase a 3D printer for its autism class, providing students with access to an engaging and innovative learning tool that supports creativity, problem-solving and hands-on learning.

The technology will help students develop important digital and fine-motor skills while also enabling teachers to create personalised learning resources and sensory supports tailored to individual needs.

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.

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: "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.

"Scoil Náisiúnta Suí an Róin 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."

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