Micro:bits for primary schools as innovation funding drives Longford's digital future

Longford County Council is seeking to be the first county with Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate option in all nine secondary schools.

It follows the allocation of €44,000 to the local authority under the Citizen Support Innovation category of the Public Service Innovation Fund 2023 for primary schools.

The funding was announced by Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohoe TD on Wednesday, March 15.

Longford County Council will collaborate with technology companies Microsoft and Ericsson in providing micro:bit computers to primary schools in County Longford over the next three years, sparking interest in technology to create a future demand for computer science as a secondary school subject.

The micro:bit is a tiny, pocket-sized computer designed to introduce children to technology.

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The national fund supports innovative ideas from public service organisations, with €750,000 allocated to 18 successful projects nationwide.

Longford County Council will collaborate with industry experts in upskilling teachers and providing micro:bit technology to local schools. It will also see the expansion of Microsoft Dream Space in County Longford, offering immersive, research-based STEM experiences in schools.

The project is entitled ‘Computer Science in every secondary school in Longford – Creating the Demand – Shaping our County's Future’. It was selected nationally from a field of nearly 100 projects following a four-stage evaluation process.

The project is already up and running with 12 primary schools in the county participating in the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase 2023. This event will see fifth and sixth class pupils showcase their technology projects in Longford County Council in May, with efforts underway to create an annual event.

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The Public Service Innovation Fund 2023 received 99 proposals from public service bodies that submitted projects in four different categories - digital transformation, citizen support innovation, green and sustainable initiatives and innovative design of services.

Projects allocated funding in the competition seek to tackle key issues in health, climate and accessibility to public services. A snapshot of projects being supported in 2023 include the operation of drone technology to support healthcare delivery in rural Ireland exploring the application of artificial intelligence and 3-D technology for advanced healthcare treatment tackling issues in healthcare bed space management, and exploring the energy potential of public land.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “I am delighted to welcome this innovation funding which will be used to help school children learn more about technology. I thank all stakeholders, including Council employees and teachers, for working together to help our young people develop an interest in the workings of technology at a young age. I look forward to seeing how this project develops, including the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase in Longford in May and the ambition to make computer science a subject in all County Longford secondary schools.”

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Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, ““This Council project, with its long-term view to get computer science as a Leaving Certificate subject, will help set our young people up for the jobs of the future.

This embracing of change and technology and the learning of new skills is a key part of the Council’s Digital Strategy through which we work closer towards creating a County Longford with a connected, inclusive and dynamic future for all citizens.”