U2 Launch Music Training For Ireland's Children

Irish rock band U2 have launched a programme to support music training access for children and young people in Ireland.

The programme, called Music Generation, is being funded by U2 and the Ireland Funds and aims to help children and young people to access performance music education.

The five-year programme, running from 2010 to 2015, with the band promising to raise €2 million to support the initiative.

Speaking at the fund's launch, lead singer Bono said: "As a band, we believe music tuition should be available to anyone who wants it, whatever their background. We want to help to make this happen for Ireland’s children and young people - our ‘music generation’ of the future.

"We hope that Music Generation will inspire Ireland’s young musicians, who might not otherwise get access to such valuable teaching. We are delighted to see the progress of Music Generation and to be involved in this much-needed initiative for Ireland."

A statement from the band said Music Generation was "wonderful opportunity" for thousands of children and young people to access music education.

"It will enhance and enrich quality of life; nurture the careers of musicians; empower the musical life of communities and energise partnerships among the public, private, community and voluntary sectors. This will be done in the spirit of making music education happen throughout Ireland," the band said.

The programme, ran last year ran in Louth, Mayo and Sligo and is expected to create job opportunities for local musicians over the next five years.

(DW)