Ryan congratulates Fingal schools for participating in BT Young Scientist Exhibition

Labour Party TD for Dublin Fingal, Brendan Ryan, has congratulated local schools for their participation in the BT Young Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS.

Deputy Ryan said:

“This week I visited the BT Young Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and saw the projects by Ardgillan Community College, Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan, Portmarnock Community School, Skerries Community College and St. Joseph’s Secondary School.

“The high quality of the projects on display by Fingal students demonstrates the interest that our young students take in science and technology. The time and effort put into developing these exhibits is clearly evident and this is a credit to the students, teachers, parents and schools.

“I am very encouraged by the scientific aptitude, talent and imagination demonstrated by the students, with Fingal students projects focusing on biodiversity, wave energy and pollution in the Bracken River. With the growth of the Irish economy becoming increasingly dependent on the scientific and technological skills of its workforce, the quality of the projects by Fingal students bodes very well for Ireland’s future and the growth of businesses that will create the jobs of the future.

“It was fantastic to see President Michael D Higgins open the Exhibition and reference the numbers of young girls participating in this year’s event. Schools in Fingal presented equal numbers of boys and girls participating, which is extremely encouraging. The enormous young female talent on display at events like this really highlights the importance of tackling the shortage of women working in STEM related fields, with figures from the CSO estimating that less than 25 per cent of those working in these sectors are women.

“Fingal schools have a great track record at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, with the Loreto Balbriggan having won the overall competition in recent years, bringing great pride to our area. After seeing the high calibre on display at the RDS myself, I would encourage more schools in our area to get involved.”