He's eyeing up the grand prize at this week's event.
A Westmeath student is eyeing up the grand prize at this week's BT Young Scientist Exhibition.
Patrick D'Arcy - a fifth year student at Castlepollard Community College - is one of dozens representing the midlands at the prestigious competition.
His invention - 'The Wide Awake' - was inspired by the phenomenon of children not waking up to smoke alarms.
The 16 year old explains how the device works:
Westmeath Waste Facility Remains Temporarily Closed
The site on Athlone's University Road is closed due to a direction from the HSA.
Laois Man To Be Laid To Rest Friday
The funeral of Ballacolla's Sean Geoghegan takes place on Friday.
Laois Community Safety Partnership To Start January
The 20 members of the committee have been approved.
Midlands Community Groups To Get Communication Grants
Groups in Killenard, Boora and Ballynacarrigy are set to get funds for circular living.
Offaly Community Shop Highlights Services
Pullough Community Shop has been serving locals for eight years.
Offaly TD Urges Action On Student Accomodation
Nearly 15,000 student accommodation beds have been approved but not built.
Laois County Council Urge Continued STEM EU Just Transition Funding
The local authority is making the call ahead of an expiry of EU Just Transition funding in March.
EU Set To Unveil Housing Package As Fiscal Rules Face Relaxation
The proposals target short-term lettings and streamline construction rules.
Midlands Driving Instructor Calls For Mandatory Alcolock System
A sharp increase in drug driving cases was recorded in the Midlands
Westmeath Family Into Final Of Ireland's Fittest Family
The final takes place this Sunday.
Motion Calls For HSE Investigation Into Wind Turbine Noise Passed In Offaly
The motion was called by Fianna Fáil Claire Murray Smale.
Irish Farmers Head To Brussels On Tractors To Protest EU Policies
The IFA President and his son Tom are among those protesting.
Man Arrested Over Alleged Assault At Midlands Prison
The incident took place on December 6th.
Emergency Services Attend Westmeath Car Fire
The incident happened on Austin Friar Street.
Unanimous Vote Supports €20m Midlands Hospice Project
Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Drink Driving Rider Arrested After Illegal E-Scooter Seized In Offaly
The rider arrested was eight times over the legal limit.
Drug-Driving Surge Sparks Calls For Christmas Crackdown
A Westmeath town saw the highest increase in the region.
Revenue Seize Over €243k In Contraband In The Midlands
139 weapons were also seized.
Tributes Paid To Laois Man Following Accident
Ballacolla's Sean Geoghegan passed away on Saturday following an accident.
Midlands Hospice Planning Application Passed By Offaly County Council
The local authority will adjust the county development plan for the 20 bed facility,
