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 €33,494 in funds to Waterford and Wexford 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 €33,494 funding allocated to Waterford and Wexford 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 Waterford and Wexford 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 key projects receiving funding from SOLAS through the ALL Collaboration & Innovation Fund (CIF) 2026 in Waterford and Wexford include: 

  • The Money Matters initiative: This financial literacy club is aimed at participants using a Day Service in Reach Ability, who will be supported to be safe in managing their finances and equipped with skills to safeguard themselves from financial abuse. It will also equip learners with skills and abilities to have more autonomy over their finances, developing confidence in using financial services.
  • Ag Bogadh Ag Comhaireamh (moving and counting): Connecting through numeracy with Kilrossanty GAA Initiative: This community-based literacy project provides an informal, supportive setting for adults to build confidence with numeracy while remaining physically active. A series of numeracy prompts will be installed along Kilrossanty GAA’s 1.2 km walkway with accessible numeracy challenges for adults to engage with while walking or jogging. The club’s existing walls will be used as a backdrop for painted targets and games, designed to develop arithmetic skills for adults, their peer group or families.
  • Supporting Roma individuals to access and use the HSE App: This project will address unmet literacy needs across the Roma community through the delivery of small scale, face to face digital literacy workshops focusing on practical, task-based learning related to the HSE app. It will help learners develop the digital, language and health literacy skills needed to access essential health services and information via the HSE app.

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 Waterford and Wexford 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 in Waterford and Wexford and across Ireland. We can address literacy challenges with innovative, people-focused solutions and create a more inclusive and informed society.”

Edel Finan, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Waterford and Wexford ETB said:

“The Adult Literacy for Life Strategy sets out a clear plan to support adults who have unmet literacy needs across Waterford and Wexford 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 Waterford and Wexford to develop practical projects that respond to unmet local literacy needs.”

“I am delighted that seven 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.”