Saturday 25 April 2026
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Local Public Representative for Cork North West Region

Email : johnpaul.oshea@oireachtas.ie

Thousands of Families in Cork to Benefit from Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

Jun 12, 2025

Thousands of Families in Cork to Benefit from Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

Almost 11,000 families across Cork will be supported with the cost of sending their children back to school, said Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea.

 

Deputy O’Shea said €54.4 million has been secured nationally for the scheme this year to help eligible families.

 

“The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides an important once-off payment to the thousands of eligible families in Cork towards the cost of school clothing and footwear. The rate of payment for 2025 is €160 for children aged 4–11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second-level education. It will be paid during the week beginning 14th July, and the majority of payments will be made automatically, with no application required.

 

Deputy O’Shea added “I know the pressure families can be under with back to school costs, and this allowance will go a long way in helping people. I urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme and encourage any family who does not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment to make an application online at www.MyWelfare.ie.

 

“The scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing the financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term. Fine Gael is deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families,” concluded Deputy O’Shea.

 

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