It was a jam-packed day at the gloriously spacious, light-filled TUS International Arena in Athlone, celebrating the very best of the Midlands. Events like this are important to show off the Midlands region and what makes it so special.
RTE at the Midlands Showcase
The Midlands Showcase brought together talent, innovation, and collaboration, from the engaging and insightful panel discussions to the incredible showcase area and interactive demonstrations. The day was filled with inspiration, creativity, and connection for people of all ages, leaving them with new ideas, meaningful conversations, and excitement for their future.
The effort and passion in bringing together all the exhibitors and speakers was paramount in showcasing Ireland’s fastest-growing and youngest region, with over 50% of its population under 35. Most of the audience were 5th and 6th Year Senior Cycle students from Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford to assure them that the Midlands have a strong economic path to thrive and be a great place to live, study and work. A young female apprentice Meadhbh McLoughlin from the ESB, told RTE News who covered the event;
“I’m so lucky not to have to commute and to have a job on my doorstep.”
A new focus on the region’s vision, talent and innovation
The skills and further education and training sector played a very important role on the day in the STUDY area. The excellent further education and training provisions not only provide community-based, learner-centred education but also give access to further education and training, encouraging those who live in the region to return to education to upskill or reskill and progress to employment.
For decades, the Midlands were reliant on the peat industry to fuel homes and industries and to create employment, but now, according to Minister Peter Burke, who officially opened the event.
“We still share that sense of community and purpose, but with a new focus on the region’s vision, talent and innovation.”
He highlighted the EU Just Transition Fund as a vital tool in driving this focus. The EU and the Irish Government have established a €169 million Just Transition Fund Programme for the Midlands for the period 2021 to 2027. He said,
“This funding is not simply an economic stimulus; it is a promise to the people of the Midlands that their future will be one of opportunity.”
We need to shout about the Midlands
The town models and art displays, libraries and biodiversity areas allowed the participants to enjoy the region as a place to live, taking in the alluring Longford Lights enclosed displays and Swift installation created by Birr-based artist Caroline Conway. She told RTE news.
“Sometimes Midlands towns are a hard sell. We’re not the Wild Atlantic Way, but we need to shout about it and use all this artistic talent to make something magical and build this important community of artists.”
The takeaway from the event is to keep the conversations going, support the amazing talent on display and continue celebrating the innovation and excellence that makes the Midlands shine.
