This was the second year Coláiste an Chreagáin’s science and engineering students were involved in the VEX Robotics school’s competition (hosted by ATU and sponsored by Boston Scientific ). The competition is the culmination of months of hard work by students designing, building, trouble-shooting, and coding their robot – “Louise”. The school’s robotic club ran by science teacher Ms O’Dea, encourages and supports the development of future engineers and scientists.
Students from Coláiste an Chreagáin have joined forces with the University of Galway to participate in the Crowd4Access project, an innovative citizen science initiative to enhance pedestrian accessibility on footpaths. This collaborative effort seeks to create more inclusive urban environments by meticulously mapping footpath accessibility using free, open-sourced AI software. Students from Coláiste an Chreagáin are proud to contribute to this initiative, recognising that everyone will face challenges navigating urban footpaths at some point. Whether it's a wheelchair user requiring access ramps, a parent with a buggy, a runner seeking an even surface, or a visually impaired individual needing tactile pavement. The research carried out by students from Coláiste an Chreagáin strengthens the request from local authorities for safe pedestrian crossings in the town.
Smaller class sizes in Coláiste an Chreagáin means that students get extra support from their teachers and time for one-to-one support when needed. Practical life skills are part of the curriculum delivery in Coláiste an Chreagáin. This years' TY students learned how to dig a foundation, lay blocks, and roof a small structure.
The Construction Federation Industry advises that; “In the coming weeks, the Government will announce an investment programme worth €115b", that will mean the construction industry will provide career security for the next decade. In addition, the Government has unveiled a plan to produce 35,000 houses per year for the next five years. So, there will be an abundance of work for young people starting their careers. Overall, it is estimated that the industry needs at least 110,000 new workers over the next three years to keep pace with the demand for activity. The industry now provides technology-driven careers in addition to engineering roles and of course traditional trades.
