In november 2025, I was honoured to attend the ETTA national Awards ceremony after winning the ETTA award for Technology in my region. This was an amazing experience, however it does not come close to the experience of planning, designing and building my project.

In 2025, the leaving cert technology brief was focused on sustainability. My mind went to transport immediately. In Ireland, we have (still as of 2026) no rail system to connect the airport to the rest of the country. Hence, many people drive to the aiprort - which takes up precious land to build car park spaces. The increased road traffic around Dublin Airport is also horrible for the local emissions, which are already high due to the air traffic in the region.

I cannot recommend applying for the naughton scholarship more. It is a monumental opportunity for any student sitting the leaving cert who has an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. The application is straightforward. You only score when you shoot. Apply - this opportunity is too good to miss.

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