Expansion of the Music Generation initiative into Wexford and Waterford was made possible as a result of philanthropic donations by U2 and The Ireland Funds, which will seed fund 50% of the costs of developing the programme during its set-up phase. This matched funding will be sustained on a long-term basis by the Department of Education and Skills once the philanthropic donations cease.
Speaking on the announcement of the Phase 2 expansion, U2’s The Edge said: ‘This is a really important moment for Music Generation. Our ambition is for every child and young person in Ireland to have access to tuition and this next phase of expansion brings us ever closer. Huge thanks to both the Government and The Ireland Funds for their ongoing commitment to a programme of which we, as a band, are immensely proud.’
‘I would like to congratulate Wexford and Waterford Music Education Partnership
and the various individuals, groups and Statutory Agencies that have come together to support the development of the Music Generation programme within the local area’, said Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D. ‘ My Department wholeheartedly believes in the importance of facilitating access to music for children and young people, which unlocks their creativity and can help them reach their potential in all areas of their education. Through our ongoing annual €2.5m funding of Music Generation’s first phase, and our commitment to co-funding 9 new areas
into the future, we will work together with all partners to ensure the continued success of this important non-mainstream music education programme.'
WWETB is currently recruiting for a Music Development Officer in both Wexford and Waterford which will enable the progamme planning to commence.