‘Driving STEM in the Midlands’ won the overall Local Authority Innovation Award at the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025 last night. The awards recognise local authority projects across 16 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level.
This award celebrates originality and forward-thinking within Irish local government, and Midlands Ireland’s STEM initiative exemplifies that spirit. By fostering future-ready skills, promoting inclusion through programmes like STEM Passport, and inspiring creativity with VEX Robotics and DreamBig, the Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath) is building a stronger, more resilient region.
Midlands Ireland
At Midlands Ireland, we’re so proud to play a part in the amazing STEM and digital education initiatives taking place across our region, driven by the four Broadband Officers, Christine Collins in Longford, Antoinette Brennan in Laois, Ray Bell in Offaly and formerly Gerry McCormack in Westmeath, along with the dediacted regional STEM Engagement Officers Dean Hodge, Seanie Morris, Siobhán Grealy and Kelley Keogh. This year Christine Collins won The National Women in Digital Award at the National Digital Awards 2025.
STEM Engagement Officer Siobhan Grealy on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM
The Midlands has created Ireland’s first regional STEM ecosystem
The Midlands, through an ambitious and collaborative approach, brings together local government, educators, industry, and communities to equip the next generation for the future of work. This co-ordinated effort is rooted in the belief that regional resilience and innovation go hand in hand.
Designated as an EU ‘Just in Transition’ Region, the Midlands is tackling structural challenges by forming a “triple helix” of co-operation – connecting enterprise, education and public stakeholders through the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan and Midlands ICT Network. This forward-thinking model ensures that regional development is inclusive, future-focused, and built on sustainable skills.
Participating Schools in the Midlands
| COUNTY | PRIMARY SCHOOLS | SECONDARY SCHOOLS |
| Laois | 63 | 11 |
| Longford | 37 | 9 |
| Westmeath | 73 | 13 |
| Offaly | 67 | 12 |
| TOTAL | 240 | 45 |
Future of STEM education
The Midlands region’s commitment to STEM comes to life through dynamic, hands-on programmes that have already reached thousands of students. VEX Robotics has seen three Midlands teams qualify for the World Finals, while the STEM Passport for Inclusion provides a Level 6 qualification and a direct pathway to STEM university courses. The next Stem Passport for Inclusion Awards takes place at the Midlands Showcase Event on Wednesday, December 3rd, at the TUS International Arena, Athlone.
While the EU Just Transition Funding is due to cease at the end of March, Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh said he will continue pushing the government to achieve sustainable funding at an EU level.
Read more on the STEM in the Midlands Journey so far here
Submit.com sponsored the Innovation award category.
