St. Mary’s Secondary School clinches the eFlow STAR for the second consecutive year at BT Young Scientist Competition

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, held at the RDS from January 10 to 13, 2024, celebrated a remarkable showcase of ingenuity, with students presenting innovative science projects across various disciplines.

One of the highlights of this year’s competition was Leah Bradley, Tara Lane and Ellie Walsh from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom, Cork, securing the eFlow STAR (Sustainable Transport Award and Recognition). This was the second consecutive year that students from St. Marys Macroom won this transport focused award. Their winning project, titled “I can’t wait for the bypass,” provided an insightful exploration into the anticipated N22 Baile Bhuirne-Macroom bypass and its potential impact on the local community.

The students from St. Mary’s Secondary School took a proactive approach to their research, collaborating with local councillors, residents, and business owners to gather crucial local information. Their project delved into the social, environmental, and economic ramifications of the bypass on the lives of Macroom residents. From assessing the positive effects made by the bypass on traffic congestion and air quality to scrutinising the impact on small businesses and housing availability, the students provided a comprehensive analysis.

The students discovered that 84% of the local residents had their expectations either met or surpassed as a result of reduced traffic, shorter travel times, decreased noise, and thriving business. Additionally, the town’s air quality significantly improved, with a 53% overall reduction in air pollutants compared to levels before the bypass was opened.

eFlow proudly sponsored the BT Young Scientist Competition, emphasising its commitment to cultivating emerging talent in science and technology. The eFlow STAR, presented to St. Mary’s Secondary School, recognises outstanding achievement in scientific research, innovation and community impact within the realm of transportation.

Róisín Barton-Murray, Public Information and Enforcement Manager at Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who presented the eFlow STAR to the winners on behalf of eFlow stated, “We are delighted to present this award to St. Mary’s Secondary School for their outstanding project. The BT Young Scientist Competition continues to inspire young adults to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry and we are proud to recognise the achievements of these talented students on the issues of transport and sustainability.” 

Rory Deegan, Communications Director at eFlow, expressed great pride in sponsoring STEM initiatives, stating, “eFlow is honoured to sponsor this award at the BT Young Scientist. This competition is a catalyst for nurturing the curiosity and creativity of young minds in the fields of science, technology and transport. The outstanding projects on display, including St. Mary’s Secondary School’s insightful exploration, exemplify the depth of talent among the youth in Ireland.”

The BT Young Scientist Competition continues to be a platform for students to explore real-world issues and make meaningful contributions to their communities through scientific exploration. We look forward to supporting the BTYSTE sponsorship next year, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists.