Derry & Strabane Council IT hardware to be recycled for local families home schooling

The move came after Councillors unanimously approved a Notice of Motion brought by local Independent Councillor Paul Gallagher.

Speaking to his motion, Councillor Gallagher said: “Under current restrictions it has really come to the fore that we have kids who are home schooling and it has come to my attention that many are getting no access to education because they haven’t got the hardware.

“Some of the families that do have a piece of hardware, some of those larger families are coming into conflict because they have one piece of hardware that has to be shared and it causes many an argument.”

Colr. Gallagher added: “The Corporate position of this Council is around a climate emergency and we have to be doing everything we in our power to reduce the carbon footprint we are creating.

“It is my understanding that over the last number of years  there have been hundreds of pieces of hardware disposed of, we need to change this.

“If we can make any use of it at all, if the community sector can make use of it and get it out to the working poor who haven’t got access to equipment then that’s what we should be doing.”

SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly offered support for Councillor Gallagher’s Motion.

“It is the right time to be looking at how we handle our IT and make sure we are putting it to the best use at all stages of its life for the rate payer,” he said. “If there is a way we can assist our rate payers locally with this kit to make sure it is being recycled then we should do so.”

Alliance Councillor Rachael Ferguson echoed the sentiment.

She said: “This is one that needs to be highlighted. It’s completely correct that we should look at what can do as a Council and what we can recycle back into the community.”

Councillor Gallagher’s Motion passed with all members in agreeance. 

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter