19th June 2026, Dublin Castle: Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD, together with The Edge and Adam Clayton (on behalf of U2) and Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, announce a new phase of Government–philanthropic partnership for Music Generation aimed at promoting social inclusion and wellbeing for young people aged 13 and over.
€10m has been pledged by U2 (€5m) and The Ireland Funds (€5m), with a corresponding funding commitment by Government through the Department of Education and Youth. The Music Generation programme was established in 2010 with first round funding from U2 and The Ireland Funds.
Around 130,000 children and young people—1 in 10 across Ireland—every year already benefit from access to performance music education programmes through Music Generation, spanning many different genres from rap to traditional. This new funding will enable Music Generation to focus specifically on reaching young people aged 13 and over who are experiencing poverty and disadvantage, recognising the power of music as a tool for social inclusion and wellbeing.
Workshops and classes will be designed around the needs and preferences of these young people and, like the existing programmes, will be delivered through the established Local Music Education Partnerships led by Education and Training Boards. Planning and consultation will commence later this year to inform the rollout in 2027.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said, “I am pleased to be announcing this new phase of Government–philanthropic partnership with U2 and The Ireland Funds for Music Generation. Participation in arts and culture, including music, is a key priority of this Government’s Child Poverty and Well-Being programme. I am delighted that, through this investment in Music Generation, young people experiencing poverty and social exclusion will have the chance to create, play and perform the music that appeals to them, with all of the benefits that can bring for their self-esteem, confidence and overall wellbeing.”
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD said: “Participation in music can be a powerful tool in addressing educational disadvantage and social inclusion and supporting children and young people to reach their full potential. My Department already supports Music Generation to provide non-mainstream performance music education to 130,000 children and young people annually. With this new phase, we will work closely together to develop a sustainable and responsive programme that ensures our hardest to reach young people have the opportunity to engage in the joy, fun, collaboration and potential of music-making. Their voices will be central to shaping this new phase of Music Generation, and I am pleased to say that consultation with young people will commence this autumn.
Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, U2’s The Edge said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Music Generation’s achievements and we’re incredibly excited to support this next phase, standing with all partners and communities who continue to transform young lives through music across Ireland.”
Bono added – “It’s always been our goal that any child on the island of Ireland who wants to learn how to play a musical instrument can do that… and we are very excited to see that getting closer to becoming a reality.”
Adam Clayton said – “Music Generation has been opening doors for 16 years, especially for those who might otherwise be excluded from participating in music, giving them a voice and positively impacting on mental health and wellbeing. The next phase will build on this great work even more.”
And Larry Mullen Jr. said – “We’ve seen how music can change people’s lives. Music Generation is at the forefront of that change in Ireland, and this news means that good work will continue. We thank The Ireland Funds and Government, and all the music professionals around the country, and the younger generation of aspiring musicians and their families that participate.
Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO, The Ireland Funds: “As The Ireland Funds marks its fiftieth anniversary, we are proud to continue our support for Music Generation as it enters this significant new phase of growth. Through the combined commitment of philanthropy and government, Music Generation has transformed access to music education for children and young people across Ireland. This renewed investment will help extend its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to develop their creativity, confidence and potential. We are grateful to our donors whose commitment to strengthening and expanding opportunity continues to make partnerships like this possible.”
Responding to the announcement, National Director of Music Generation Rosaleen Molloy said,
“Music Generation thrives because of the dedication of everyone who brings it to life from our parent organisation Music Network who initiated this journey, to government and philanthropic partners, our national network of local partners and dedicated workforce, and, of course, the young musicians themselves. This new phase will enable us to continue to break down barriers to participation, enhance pathways for youth progression and prioritise social inclusion and youth wellbeing through creativity and music making.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Barbara Stack MPR
087 2430537 |barbara@mprstack.com
Helen Shyne, Strategic Communications & Marketing Manager, Music Generation
085 7415171 | helenshyne@musicgeneration.ie
