A fantastic new teaching resource has been praised by the Minister for Education and is now available to all teachers across the state.

Scoilnet Maps, an interactive listing of high quality digital Ordnance Survey Ireland maps and aerial photographs, is available free to all schools on the School Broadband Network.

Previously, only second level schools could use the service.

But now, more than 4,000 primary and second level schools will be able to use the tool to assist in their learning of subjects like Maths, History and Geography.

Developed as a collaboration between Scoilnet, the Professional Development Service for Teachers and the Forward Planning Unit of the Department of Education, the interactive website is visually engaging in bringing maps to life.

It is safe and secure, and suitable for students of all ages.

Speaking this week, Ruairí Quinn, the education minister, praised the project.

"This website will mean that children of all ages will be able to access this brilliant resource to see maps dating back to 1829, satellite images, layers of geographical information, aerial photos and a whole host of other interactive tools which should be fun and assist learning," he said.

Have a look at our positive content article for more safe, secure and approved websites for young people.