U2, Government and The Ireland Funds commit €20m to New Music Generation Initiative

A fresh investment in Ireland's young people has been announced, with U2, The Ireland Funds and the Government committing a combined €20 million to the next phase of the Music Generation Programme.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton joined U2, alongside President and CEO of The Ireland Funds Caitriona Fottrell, to unveil a renewed Government-philanthropic partnership designed to support young people aged 13 and over who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion.

The initiative will see €5 million each provided by U2 and The Ireland Funds, matched by a corresponding Government commitment through the Department of Education and Youth. The investment marks the latest chapter in a partnership that first launched Music Generation in 2010.

Over the past 16 years, Music Generation has reached approximately 130,000 children and young people annually through local performance music programmes.

The newly announced phase will place a particular emphasis on older teenagers, focusing on those who face barriers to participation and who are under-represented in arts and cultural activities.

Through workshops, classes, and community-based programmes delivered by Local Music Education Partnerships led by Education and Training Boards, the initiative aims to use music as a vehicle for social inclusion, confidence-building and improved well-being.

"I am pleased to be announcing this new phase of Government-philanthropic partnership with U2 and The Ireland Funds for Music Generation," said the Taoiseach. "Participation in arts and culture, including music, is a key priority of this Government's Child Poverty and Well-Being programme."

He added that investment would provide young people opportunities to create, play and perform music while benefiting from the positive impacts.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton highlighted music's role in tackling educational disadvantage, and supporting young people to realise their potential.

"Participation in music can be a powerful tool in addressing educational disadvantage and social inclusion," she said. "With this new phase, we will work closely together to develop a sustainable and responsible programme that ensures our hardest-to-reach young people have the opportunity to engage in the joy, fun, collaboration and potential of music-making."

Young people themselves will have a central role in shaping the programme, with a consultation process due to begin in autumn ahead of a planned rollout in 2027.

U2. Credit: Anton Corbijn

For U2, the announcement represents a continuation of a commitment that stretches back to Music Generation's founding.

The Edge said the band was "incredibly excited" to support the next stage of the initiative.

"We couldn't be prouder of Music Generation's achievements," he said. "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 emphasised the band's long-term vision for universal access to music education.

"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," said the U2 frontman. "We are very excited to see that getting closer to becoming a reality."

Adam Clayton emphasised the programme's impact on inclusion and well-being. "Music Generation has been opening doors for 16 years," he said, "especially for those who might otherwise be excluded from participating in music, giving them a voice and positively impacting on mental health and well-being. The next phase will build on this great work even more.”

Larry Mullen Jr. praised the programme's track record and paid tribute to the educators, families and aspiring musicians who have contributed to its success. “We’ve seen how music can change people’s lives," the U2 drummer said. "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."

The Ireland Funds celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative.

"As The Ireland Funds marks its 50th anniversary this year, we are proud to continue our support for Music Generation as it enters this significant new phase of growth," said Caitriona Fottrell, President andCEO of the Ireland Funds. "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."

Since its launch in 2010, Music Generation has grown into a nationwide programme operating through Local Music Education Partnerships led by Education and Training Boards and supported by local authorities. More than 500 musician educators now deliver programmes across Ireland.

The next phase of funding is scheduled to run from the 2027-28 academic year through to 2031. Consultation with young people, local music education partnerships and other stakeholders will take place throughout the academic year, with research and evaluation built into the programme to measure its impact.