Rosenallis National School recently competed at the VEX World Robotics Championships.
A Laois primary school is expressing concern that the local authority is planning to stop funding the role of STEM officer.
It follows the return of Rosenallis National School from the VEX World Robotics Championships in the US.
The group of 11 pupils dubbed 'RNS Robotic' are bringing home the judges award from this years competitIon in St.Louis.
It follows on from further success in the region last year when Sacred Heart in Tullamore won the competition.
Rosenallis teacher Aaron MacKessy says it's a decision that should be reconsidered:
The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council is backing calls for a solution to keep the position of STEM officer funded.
The position in the four local authorities in the Midlands, is fully funded through the EU Just Transition Fund with the current stream set to conclude at the end of June.
Fine Gael Councillor Barry Walsh has raised the issue in recent months, and has gotten Laois County Council to write to the Education Minister on the topic.
He says STEM offers a lot to the community:
Statement from Laois County Council:
The STEM officer role within each of the Local Authorities across the Midlands has been funded through the EU Just Transition Fund, the programme has worked to support economic diversification, build skills and capacity, and strengthen regional coordination. This EU funded project was due to complete in March 2026 but elements of it (including the Stem Programme ) were extended until June 2026.
Proposals to continue this programme were contained as part of submissions to the Department of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht in relation to the next Strategy on “Our Rural Future” and we continue to work with our educational partners to source alternative funding for future programmes.
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