Rock band U2 and philanthropic network the Ireland Funds have made donations totalling €3million to the State’s national music education programme.

Music Generation is to be expanded following the announcement by U2 that it is to receive €2million from their Irish concerts, and a further announcement from the Ireland Funds that it will donate € 1million.

Music Generation provides access to high quality subsidised music tuition for thousands of children and young people across the country.

U2’s the Edge said the organisation is “continuing to grow” and the donations would “bring us closer to achieving our ambition for every child and young person in Ireland to have access to music tuition”.

Kieran McLoughlin, president and chief executive of the Ireland Funds said the music education programme has been “extraordinary” and “brings so much benefit” to young people and communities throughout Ireland.

“The Ireland Funds is delighted to be supporting this flagship initiative and, together with U2, will also seek to raise additional support as part of our commitment to unlocking the musical talents of the next generation,” he said.

Music Generation national director Rosaleen Molloy said the programme provides access for 26,000 children and young people and creates employment opportunities 330 people.

The programme was established by Music Network in 2010 following a €7m donation from U2 (€5 million) and the Ireland Funds (€2 million) to implement its national strategy for music education in Ireland.

“The impact of the original €7m philanthropic donation from U2 and the Ireland Funds has been extraordinary,” said Ms Molloy.

“Every day, the lives of thousands of children and young people are being transformed through access to a variety of music tuition opportunities – everything from song-writing initiatives to brass bands, orchestras, choirs, rock groups, rap projects, grupaí cheoil and composers clubs.”