Longford County Council’s Microsoft Dream Space Showcase announced as finalist in Ireland eGovernment Awards
Council shortlisted for prestigious Digital Inclusion Award
Press Release: Monday, 21 July 2025
Longford County Council has been announced as a finalist in The Ireland eGovernment Awards under the Digital Inclusion Award category, recognising the authority's exceptional work on the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase programme.
The nomination places Longford amongst the leading local authorities driving digital transformation across Ireland. With over 50% of this year's finalists coming from the local government sector, the 2025 awards spotlight the significant role councils play in reshaping public service delivery. The nomination is also worthy recognition for the many teachers and primary schools throughout County Longford which take part in the Dream Space Showcase and is testament to their unwavering support and engagement with the innovative programme.
Now in its third year, Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase has become a cornerstone of STEAM education in the county. The programme engages hundreds of primary school children annually through a comprehensive 10-week initiative that combines hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving.
Students work alongside their teachers, Longford County Council's STEM Engagement Officer Siobhan Grealy, and Microsoft's specialist teaching team to develop coding and STEAM skills. These abilities are then channelled into creating innovative projects that address sustainability challenges aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategic investment in local education, funded through the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. This targeted support focuses on accelerating student interest in Computer Science and STEAM subjects during the crucial transition from primary to post-primary education.
Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, said: "This recognition validates our commitment to ensuring no child in Longford is left behind in the digital age. The Dream Space Showcase demonstrates how local government can be a catalyst for educational innovation, creating opportunities that might otherwise be beyond reach for our young people."
Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh added: "We're immensely proud to see Longford's vision for digital inclusion recognised on the national stage. This programme embodies our belief that every child deserves access to cutting-edge learning opportunities, regardless of their background or location."
The Ireland eGovernment Awards, now in its 22nd year, celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact across Ireland's public sector. Sixteen local authorities have been shortlisted across 16 of the 17 categories, highlighting the growing influence of local government in public service innovation.
Sabahat Khan, CIO of the Local Government Management Agency and judging panel member, praised the finalists for "innovation, thinking outside the norm and trying new things," saying, “It’s not just about technology: it’s about coordinated, secure, and meaningful transformation that delivers value to our communities. These are the basic tenets the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy is built upon.”
The awards ceremony takes place on 18th September at O'Reilly Hall, UCD, where An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD will present the awards following a Leadership Summit featuring Ireland's top digital changemakers.
