Over 500 students showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects
Longford County Council's flagship STEAM initiative draws record attendance as young innovators present solutions to global sustainability challenges
Press Release: Friday, 30 May 2025
More than 500 primary school students from across County Longford transformed St. Mary's Community Campus, in Edgeworthstown into a hub of innovation on Friday, 23 May, as they presented their cutting edge STEAM projects at the annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase.
The event, which has grown significantly since its inception three years ago, saw Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD present awards to outstanding young innovators.
The showcase marked the successful completion of an intensive 10-week programme where students collaborated with teachers, Longford County Council's STEM Engagement Officer Siobhan Grealy, and Microsoft's team to develop sophisticated projects addressing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
The event featured extensive collaboration from Longford County Council services including Sports Partnership, Climate Action, Community Safety, Healthy Longford, Sláintecare, Civil Defence, Arts Office, Library, LEO, Tourism, Road Safety, and Fire Services. Industry partners Microsoft, Ericsson, Creative Hut (Lego) and VEX Robotics provided interactive exhibits. Additional exhibits were presented by Comhairle na nÓg/Foróige, HSA, Maynooth University with valuable support from Midlands Ireland Broadband & STEM Engagement Officers.
This year's record attendance underscores the growing impact of Longford County Council's strategic investment in STEAM education, funded through the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. Creative Ireland is funding the building blocks of creativity for this project. Broadband connectivity for the event was supported by Europa Arden Broadband.
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, "What we witnessed at this year's Dream Space event exceeded every expectation. Longford County Council's commitment to pioneering STEAM education has created something extraordinary. We're not just preparing students for future careers; we're cultivating the problem-solvers who will reshape our world. The council's leadership in this space has positioned Longford as a beacon for educational innovation across Ireland."
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey praised the collaborative effort saying: "Longford's Dream Space showcase was nothing short of inspirational. The energy, creativity, and sheer brilliance displayed by these students proves that Longford is nurturing the next generation of STEM pioneers. This council's vision to champion innovation education has created ripples that will be felt for generations. When we see 10-year-olds presenting solutions with the confidence of seasoned professionals, we know we've struck gold. The partnership model we've built here should be the template for every county in Ireland."
Amanda Jolliffe, Microsoft's Dream Space Lead, celebrated the partnership's impact saying, "The energy and creativity on display at Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase 2025 was truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see students presenting innovative solutions that brought the initiative's Sustainable Development Goals to life through STEM and digital project ideas. Huge credit goes to Longford County Council for their leadership and continued collaboration with the team here at Microsoft Dream Space to enhance STEM education in the region, and to the incredible school communities whose enthusiasm and dedication made the day such a success."
The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase continues to build momentum towards its ultimate goal of ensuring all County Longford secondary schools offer Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject, creating a seamless pathway for students to advance their technological capabilities.
View the table of winners here.
For further information, follow Longford County Council on social media.
