IT IS unlikely that Ireland will be hit by a powerful earthquake but if it is then the most likely spot will be between Wales and Ireland, says Donal O'Connell, who won Best Individual category.
Donal (17), has compiled a survey of earthquakes in Britain and every earthquake that has hit Ireland. He discovered that the safest place to be in the country is in the west.
The most recent earthquake struck Donegal last year. "There was only very slight damage - just a tectonic plate dropping," said Donal, adding that he was thrilled the judges thought the project good enough to be chosen.
"I am delighted with the win. I put a lot of hard work into the project but it was also very enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to the travel involved."
Donal, from Terenure College, Dublin, said he had always been interested in seismology and geology.
"My sister, Jane, is an air hostess and she was in Tokyo when an earthquake occurred so I suppose that brought it home to me. I decided to study it further," said the student who devoted much of last summer to his project.
It was his second time entering a project in the Aer Lingus Young Scientist Exhibition.
"It's a lot better than school," he said last night.
A sixth year student, Donal hopes to continue studying seismology when he goes to university.