Rethink Ireland and the Vodafone Foundation have announced Roscommon Community Partnership CLG as one of five recipients of the ‘Hi Digital Fund’, a digital literacy fund worth €540,000 committed to supporting projects that will deliver initiatives to bridge the digital divide among older adults in Ireland.
The ‘Hi Digital Fund’ is a two-year fund open to nonprofit organisations offering social innovations within communities that enhance digital literacy and inclusion for adults aged 65 and above, ensuring no one is left behind.
The initiative is created by Rethink Ireland – and supported by The Vodafone Foundation, private donors and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Launched in April this year, and following a competitive application process, the first recipients of this fund were announced at an event in Dublin today, attended by Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Each awarded organisations are designed to meet the unique needs of older people within their communities:
These include:
- Roscommon Leader Partnership
- Kerry Community Youth Service
- University of Limerick
- Rehab Group
- Citizens Information Services
Speaking at the award ceremony in Dublin, Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, said:
“Digital exclusion is a silent crisis. Through this fund, we’re reconnecting people to essential services and reducing isolation. It’s a model for public-private collaboration in social innovation. What’s been especially rewarding is seeing the incredible work already happening in communities. These groups are deeply embedded in their local areas and are already making a significant difference. What’s even more remarkable is the ambition they’ve shown: with this funding, they’re ready to scale, innovate, and reach thousands more older adults. It’s a privilege to support such passionate changemakers who are helping older people live more connected, confident lives.”
Roscommon Leader Partnership CLG has been awarded the grant to deliver the Click and Connect initiative, supporting older adults in Roscommon, particularly those in rural areas and the farming community.
The project will offer one-on-one digital skills training through carers and support workers, backed by a peer mentor network, with specialised workshops to help older farmers use tools like AgFood and farming apps, and accessible training materials reinforcing learning.
Welcoming the announcement, Micheala Deane Huggins, Project Worker at Roscommon Leader Partnership said:
“With the Hi Digital Fund’s support, we’re reaching older adults in Roscommon’s rural and farming communities, offering one-to-one digital skills training and practical workshops. This initiative will empower hundreds of people to use technology for everyday life, from farming apps to staying connected with family and friends.”
This announcement comes as recent stats highlight the ongoing need to support older adults in Ireland as they navigate an increasingly digital world. Ireland’s digital literacy levels for those aged 65 and older are among the lowest in Europe, with just 19% considered digitally literate, compared to the EU average of 25%. This gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where access and confidence are limited.
According to the CSO (October 2024), 41% of people over the age of 75 have never used the internet, while 12% of those aged 60–74 remain digitally excluded. It is anticipated that over the next two years, more than 13,000 older adults across Ireland will benefit from the Hi Digital Fund through the five winning recipients.
