As the economic crisis has intensified, the Irish American Fund has increased its efforts to support more than 300 initiatives across the island of Ireland.

ROCK giants U2 and the Music Generation scheme will invest €1.7 million to help children and young people in Cork city, Laois and Wicklow get access to vocal and instrumental tuition in their local area.

Charity begins at home for U2 after they forked out €5m to ensure 10,000 youngsters learn music.