U2 Funds Music Training For Irish Youngsters

A new fund to provide music education for young people in Ireland has been launched, funded mostly by a €5m donation by U2.

The National Music Education Programme will offer children the chance to have vocal training or learn a musical instrument in their own communities.

The Ireland Funds is raising an additional €2m for the scheme.

Music Network, a non-profit organization, will administer the scheme, which is being rolled out on a phased basis.

It's based on a model which successfully piloted in Dublin and Donegal over the past six years.

All kinds of music will be catered for, classical, jazz, traditional and popular music.

U2 say they have been looking for a way to get involved in music education in Ireland for some time, and believe this is the best way for them to help.

Local schools or parents groups will be invited to apply for a three year subsidy, to provide for teachers and administration costs.

But they will have to indicate how they will match the funds locally, and how they plan to make the scheme sustainable in the long term.