Following concerns that landscape developments would lead to the repurposing of the mail distribution centre in Athlone, Minister for Trade Promotion and Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath, Robert Troy, welcomed confirmation from An Post that there are no current plans to introduce parcel automation to its Athlone Mail Centre.
“I am pleased to allay concerns that the Athlone Centre would be repurposed following clarification from An Post, who instead stated there was “no current plans to introduce parcel automation or repurpose the Athlone Mail Centre”.
“Having engaged with An Post, I can confirm that the Athlone Mail Centre will continue to provide its world class delivery service to the homes and businesses of Athlone and the North-West region of Ireland. However, I will continue to remain engaged on this and keep the situation under review,” the Minister of State asserted.
ICT grant funding for Westmeath primary and post-primary schools
Meanwhile, Deputy Troy has welcomed Minister for Education Norma Foley’s announcement of over €1.1 million in ICT Grants for primary and post-primary schools in Westmeath, which are to be paid in early December 2020.
The funding is part of a €50 million package for schools nationwide, €10 million of which is for Covid-19 specific measures.
“Recent experience demonstrates the importance and value of digital learning and the use of digital technologies in education. This funding will allow our schools in Westmeath to improve their current ICT infrastructure and enable them to provide for remote learning. It will be paid on an automatic basis to every school.
“The grant can be used by schools based on their own individual needs and can be put towards things like new software and digital services as well as the purchase of computer devices to loan to teachers and students.
“Westmeath primary schools will receive a total of €544,733 while post-primary schools in our region will receive a total of €555,828.
“Education is one of Fianna Fáil’s top priorities in Government. I welcome Minister Foley’s announcement of this funding, which will assist schools to support their digital technology programmes as well as broader teaching and learning,” Minister Troy concluded.
