Longford County Council 'proud' of Midland Region STEM project award nomination

Longford County Council was proud to be part of the Midland Region STEM project which was the sole Irish initiative to be shortlisted for the Innovation in Politics Awards in Vienna.

As the 2025 European Capital of Democracy, Vienna hosted this year’s Innovation in Politics Awards, celebrating bold political leadership and outstanding democratic innovation from across Europe.

At a festive gala in Vienna City Hall, eight winning projects were announced, selected by over 1,000 European citizens from more than 300 submissions spanning 34 countries.

'Driving STEM in the Midlands' was recognised in the Education category. Remarkably, this is the third shortlisting for Longford County Council amongst Council of Europe member states at the Innovation in Politics Awards in recent years and an accolade which sets Longford County Council apart from other local authorities in Ireland.

Longford County Council was shortlisted in 2019 for the Longford Nua App; in 2021 for the Rural Working Hub Strategy and now once again in 2025 for ‘Driving STEM in the Midlands’ project.

The same staff members from Longford County Council have also been involved with all three of these pioneering projects.

The Midlands Region (Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath) is proud to be Ireland’s first region to establish a dedicated STEM ecosystem.

This pioneering initiative unites key stakeholders to foster skills that meet the changing demands of the labour market, underpinned by a shared belief that regional resilience and innovation are deeply interconnected.

As an EU-designated Just Transition Region, the Midlands is addressing structural challenges through a “triple helix” model of collaboration—linking enterprise, education, and public sector partners via the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan and the Midlands ICT Network.

This strategic approach promotes inclusive, future-oriented regional development built on sustainable skillsets.

The region’s commitment to STEM is reflected in a range of engaging, hands-on programmes that have already impacted thousands of students. Highlights include:

VEX Robotics, where three Midlands teams have qualified for the World Finals.

STEM Passport for Inclusion, offering a Level 6 qualification and direct access to STEM university courses.

DREAMBIG, a week-long immersive experience in partnership with 16 manufacturing companies, giving young people real-world exposure to STEM careers.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the power of regional collaboration to unlock opportunity, spark ambition, and inspire the next generation of innovators setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Being selected as a finalist in the EU Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 is a prestigious recognition, highlighting the honour of being shortlisted among Europe’s most forward-thinking initiatives.

"It also reflects the strength of our region’s commitment to inclusive, hands-on STEM programmes that are already changing lives and opening doors for thousands of young people.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “This recognition affirms the Midlands’ commitment to inclusive, future-focused development. ‘Driving STEM in the Midlands’ is not just a project—it’s a regional movement built on collaboration, ambition, and belief in our young people.

"Being shortlisted among Europe’s most innovative initiatives reflects the strength of our partnerships and the transformative impact of STEM on communities across Longford and beyond and Longford County Council is proud to play a crucial role in this exciting initiative.”

Representing the Midlands were Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh; Director of Services, Longford County Council John McKeon; Broadband Officer, Longford County Council Christine Collins; STEM Engagement Officer, Longford County Council Siobhan Grealy; Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh and Broadband Officer with Laois County Council, Antoinette Brennan.

The Innovation in Politics Awards 2025 featured an exchange conference where Director of Services with Longford County Council John McKeon, Antoinette Brennan and Broadband Officer with Longford County Council Christine Collins presented the 'Driving STEM in the Midlands' Project.

The awards gala took place in Vienna’s historic City Hall. This event brought together policymakers, experts, finalists, and engaged citizens to exchange ideas and celebrate political innovation.

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