Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin, have announced the allocation of €47,489 in funds across Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim to deliver innovative community projects to help tackle unmet literacy needs, and benefit adults and communities across the region.
Awarded as part of the overarching €1 million euro national Adult Literacy For Life (ALL) Collaboration and Innovation Fund 2026, the €47,489 funding allocated to Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim region will address unmet literacy needs across the region through the delivery of transformational cross-community projects, spanning literacy, family literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and financial literacy to benefit the local community.
The announcement coincided with the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) showcase event at the Midlands Park hotel, Portlaoise hosted by the ALL National Programme Office in SOLAS, where learners, educators, and community partners in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim and across Ireland showcased examples of best practice in literacy, and highlighted impactful 2025 CIF projects at the midpoint of Government’s 10-year national ALL strategy.
Some of the four 2026 projects receiving funding from SOLAS through the Adult Literacy For Life (ALL) Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) 2026 in Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim include:
- The Digital Bridges initiative: A forward-thinking, school-led initiative that helps to strengthen literacy, digital skills and family learning for diverse communities. Designed to support IPAS families, Traveller families, and those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), the project responds directly to the real challenges parents face in engaging with their children’s education in an increasingly digital world.
- The Stories Together initiative: Delivered in partnership with the Sligo Family Resource Centre, this warm, engaging and impactful family literacy project supports parents to nurture their child’s early reading and language development. Designed for families who may lack confidence in literacy, including migrant parents and those with limited experience of reading or storytelling, parents and children will learn side by side across six interactive workshops in a supportive environment. Participants will learn simple, practical ways to build early literacy skills at home, engaging in shared reading, using songs and rhymes to encourage storytelling. The workshops will help to develop children’s vocabulary, listening skills and imagination, while empowering parents with the confidence and tools to actively support their learning.
Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: “I’m really pleased to hear about the wonderful work that is taking place across the country. These innovative projects in Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim, and across Ireland are helping people access essential literacy services and contributing towards our goal of a more inclusive society for all.”
“Literacy remains a challenge for 1 in 5 adults aged 16-65, who struggle with everyday reading. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a vital investment in community projects that make a real difference in helping adults develop literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial skills so they can participate fully in society and reach their potential.”
Minister Lawless said: “Literacy is an essential skill for personal and economic empowerment. Our Government and Department remain committed to helping all adults improve their literacy, through the implementation of the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a brilliant example of the importance of partnerships in delivering this work across Ireland. We can address literacy challenges with innovative, people-focused solutions and create a more inclusive and informed society.”
Roisin Egan, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB said:
“The ALL Strategy sets out a clear plan to support adults who have unmet literacy needs across Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, and throughout Ireland. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports local groups to work together and try new ideas at community level. It helps organisations across Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim to develop practical projects that respond to unmet local literacy needs.”
“I am delighted that four projects in this region have received funding this year. These projects will help adults build confidence in their everyday skills and take part more fully in work, learning and community life. We look forward to seeing the positive difference the funding and projects will make locally.”
