U2 have donated €5 million to a scheme designed to nurture musical talent in Irish kids. In conjunction with The Ireland Funds – a global organisation that fundraises for arts, culture, education and community development – the band are behind a scheme that will provide musical education to youngsters from 2010 to 2015.

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt OKeeffe, said that he had “recognised the gaps” in the system, and that the programme “has the potential to create a true legacy for music education in Ireland”.

The Edge said that the band had been looking for an opportunity to invest in such a programme for some time. “Being around music at a young age was important for us and we were lucky to have it at school,” he said. “After talking to various people, we came to the conclusion that the Music Network scheme is really well thought out and that we, in partnership with the Ireland Funds, should just get behind it.”