daa has announced the successful schools and projects awarded funding under its Elevate ’25 schools programme at a special event hosted at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport. This one-off initiative, marking Dublin Airport’s 85th anniversary, is designed to support primary and secondary schools in the eligible catchment areas in North Dublin and East Meath spanning Rush to Ratoath and Tyrrelstown to Donabate, providing €2 million for educational and wellbeing projects that will make a lasting difference in local communities.
Elevate ’25 is about more than funding; it’s about empowering schools to create inspiring, inclusive spaces for learning and growth. Projects supported include outdoor classrooms, sensory rooms, and inclusive play areas, each one designed to enhance education and promote inclusion for all students. The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, joined local schools, community leaders, and airport representatives as daa announced the schools and projects that will benefit from Elevate ’25.
Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Tom O’Leary, said:
“Elevate ’25 is a real commitment to our young people by Dublin Airport, an organisation that is woven into the fabric of our region. Dublin Airport supports 116,100 jobs across the Republic of Ireland including over 30,800 jobs locally and is investing in our future. Through initiatives like the Community Fund and now Elevate, daa is helping to build a more inclusive environment and create opportunities that inspire ambition. I welcome this initiative warmly and look forward to seeing the difference the projects benefiting from the €2 million fund will make in our schools.”
Gary McLean, Managing Director at Dublin Airport:
“Today is all about celebrating the schools and communities that make this area so special. Dublin Airport has been part of life in Fingal, North Dublin, and East Meath for 85 years. Through Elevate, we’re not just giving funding, we’re helping shape the future for young people and their schools. The creativity and ambition behind these projects is inspiring. We’re proud to support local teachers, families, and community leaders as these ideas come to life, and we can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make.”
Andrea Carroll, daa’s Director of Sustainability:
“It’s brilliant to see the energy and commitment from schools across the region. The projects recognised today show what can happen when communities, educators, and daa work together. We’re delighted to back initiatives that create welcoming, inspiring spaces for students to learn and grow. Well done to all the schools involved. We’re really excited to see the positive changes this money will bring to the student, their schools and their local communities.”
“daa and the Elevate’25 independent judging panel were thrilled by the variety of projects in the programme’s four categories which demonstrates the local schools’ dedication to enhancing their students’ environments in diverse and meaningful ways. Awarded initiatives in the Environment and Sustainability category included innovative ideas such as the installation of solar panels and the creation of outdoor classrooms and gardens in Ashbourne and Swords.” “Projects in the Education Supports category were equally impressive, featuring developments for new libraries and computer labs in Malahide and Ballymun. The Sports & Recreation submissions include plans to improve physical activity through all-weather pitches and revamped yards in Portmarnock, while the Health, Wellbeing & Inclusion projects highlight the commitment to supporting all students with after-school services and new sensory and nurture spaces in Ballymun, St. Margaret’s and Ballyboughal”, Andrea Carroll added.
Elevate ’25 is the latest chapter in daa’s long-standing commitment to the region. Dublin Airport’s support for local communities goes far beyond this programme, including:
- Dublin Airport Community Fund: Over €3.3 million invested since 2017 in +750 initiatives from local clubs, schools, and voluntary groups
- Difference Days: Airport staff volunteering their time and skills to local causes
- Eco Gift Packs: Promoting environmental awareness in schools and community groups
- Biodiversity Projects: 8-hectare rewilded site gifted to Fingal County Council for education and biodiversity
- Access Scholarships: Funding for DCU scholarships and partnerships with Junior Achievement Ireland
- Support for local enterprise: €50,000 annually for small businesses to access national-level exposure at Dublin Airport
Concluding the event, Gary McLean, Dublin Airport’s Managing Director, said: “daa and Dublin Airport are proud to be part of this community, working hand in hand with local partners to create opportunities and help the region thrive for generations to come. Supporting schools, empowering local businesses, and investing in projects that make a real difference for people is at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of Elevate ’25 and to building an even stronger community together.”
