Two schools from Fermanagh will be competing in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin in January.

Anna Kellagher and Kaylee Conlin from St. Fanchea’s College in Enniskillen have qualified for the final with their project, ‘Investigating the level and nature of radioactive emissions from soil samples’. while Cliona Mulligan from Portora Royal School qualified with her project, ‘The demise of our hedgerow trees and shrubs - a consequence of the economic downturn and farm grant aid policy- implications for our environment’.

The students from the two schools in Fermanagh will go head to head with other qualifying schools in an attempt to win one of the prestigious awards at the ceremony.

Last week, Education Minister, John O’Dowd, congratulated the pupils when he hosted a reception at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. A total of 68 projects from 29 local schools have been entered, with 31 projects qualifying for the finals exhibition at the RDS in Dublin in January.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “Now in its 50th year, the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has established itself as the premier platform in Ireland for young people to put their science-based learning to the test.

“The STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths – are so important to the development of our society and our future ability to contribute to and compete in the challenging global economy. To see so many local young people embrace these subjects and use their initiative to apply their knowledge and learning to real-world problems is heartening and inspirational.

“That almost half of projects entered by local pupils have qualified for the finals event in Dublin in January, compared with an overall qualification rate of just over one quarter, is a measure of the high standard of STEM learning in the north.” The Minister continued: “I have had the privilege of attending the Dublin exhibition twice and will be there again in January to see our pupils display their projects and compete against others from across the island. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for the young people to meet others from right across Ireland, share ideas about their projects and make lasting friendships.

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has seen a total of 2,000 entries from 379 schools for the 2014 competition. A total of 550 have qualified for the finals event in Dublin taking place from Tuesday to Saturday, January 7 to 11 at the RDS.