Building a foundation of computer science education among children in Longford will help draw major tech companies to the region
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon believes initiatives such as the Microsoft DreamSpace competition currently underway in the county is giving younger generations a head start for the future.
The event has seen hundreds of students from 12 primary schools across the county converge on the Edgeworthstown Community Centre for the coding, environmental and innovation based competition.
Students have been working with their teachers over the last number of weeks to prepare devices, software and awareness campaigns around subjects such as biodiversty management, climate adaptation and community safety.
They've been presenting them to judges throughout the day, with a selection of prizes ready for the winners of a number of categories.
The initiative has been organised by Longford County Council in association with Microsoft DreamSpace and Ericsson.
Speaking at the event, the local authority CEO says that while transport infrastructure must catch up if Longford is to be seen as an attractive location, projects like DreamSpace will help the county build a positive reputation.
'I don't want to start talking about the N4 now because we really want that project to be delivered.
The last visit we had from Minister Ryan raised some questions about that. Assuming we have a good N4 of course we want the biggest foreign direct investments to happen here in Longford.
It's a fantastic county, huge amenities, fantastic people and I suppose what we're doing here is trying to create a good foundation for young people in Longford so when they finish school, finish college, that they can stay in the county.'
