Laois councillors and officials told Broadband is biggest project since electrification

A PRESENTATION was given to Laois County Council by broadband officer Antoinette Brennan concerning the €2.6 billion national broadband roll-out plan, at the recent monthly meeting.

In Laois there are 13,00 premises at a cost of €45m, which is the biggest project in the county after the electrification of Ireland. There are 5,000 already connected. Portarlington is well on its way to be connected by the middle of next year.

Elected members heard that all council services must be online by 2030.

Seanie Morris, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement officer outlined the role these areas have in the county with funding having been increased to €650,000.

“STEM engagement officers support the work of teachers in schools around the county,” explained Mr Morris.

“We can encourage students to study STEM subjects and then choose a related career and that career will lead to closing the gap here in Laois and the Midlands where there is a lack of talent in areas such as engineering, computer science, design and robotics.

“We need to fulfil our objective by making Laois a leader in these sectors.” This is rolled out not just in mainstream schools but also for neurodivergent children and adults.

Other sectors being targeted include age friendly, biodiversity, arts and heritage office and libraries along with Laois partnerships including social inclusion, Munster Technological University and Microsoft, outlined Mr Morris.

Funding comes in part through Eastern Midlands Regional Assembly.

Girls in Laois outnumber boys when it comes to studying STEM subjects “which is a very positive trend,” Mr Morris added.

Students were also brought out to see STEM businesses first hand.