Like many professions, last year presented both opportunities and challenges for Ireland’s engineering community. War in Ukraine, the energy crisis and ongoing inflation has impacted our road to recovery from COVID-19.
However, with these challenges also came opportunities for our profession to find solutions to issues facing our society. From assisting the Irish Red Cross with their effort to source appropriate accommodation for those fleeing war, to using our expertise to seek out viable solutions in the face of the ongoing energy crisis, and connecting communities through the delivery of vital infrastructure, Ireland’s engineers played key roles in supporting communities at home and overseas last year.
Engineering is integral to life since the beginning of time, and we in Engineers Ireland have sought to recognise and celebrate the very best of Ireland’s engineering talent and their achievements as part of our Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB. In addition to highlighting the expertise and skill of our talented engineering community, this five-part online video series also showcases how engineers play an important role in driving growth, connecting communities, combatting climate change and supporting development.
From urban regeneration, to engineering innovation to support infrastructure and growth, and sustainability projects to enhance communities, our video series highlights some top engineering projects delivered by Ireland’s engineering community over the past 12 months. The series also recognises Engineers Ireland’s Engineer of the Year, Mary Hurley and the winner of the Engineering Endeavour of 2022 Award.
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Having featured in the series and on foot of a public vote, Dublin Airport North Runway, the first international runway constructed in Ireland in over 30 years, was chosen as the top engineering project of the year and awarded ‘Engineering Endeavour of 2022′ in late December by our institution.
The development of North Runway, one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure projects, was delivered by an international project team, comprising of Arup, SENER and a Construction Joint Venture made up of FCC Construcción and Roadbridge Ltd.
This project involved the building and installation of over 340,000m2 of new runway and taxiways, 6km of internal airport roads, 425km of electrical cable and 2,500 runway and taxiway lights. The industry-leading decision to continuously consider whole life costs throughout the project also ensures that North Runway can be operated and maintained in the most efficient and reliable manner. This will provide a long-term, resilient asset and a safe working environment for operators on a day-to-day basis.
North Runway will play an important role in Dublin’s position as a hub for travel between Europe and North America, with the potential to increase connectivity across all regions. According to daa, the runway will also support the creation of 31,200 new jobs and €2.2 billion in additional economic activity.
Showcasing engineering expertise
As noted by Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD, at Engineers Ireland’s National Conference in October 2022: “Without engineers, we will not be able to deliver the infrastructure improvements Ireland needs.”
Engineers are in high demand, and we must encourage more young people to enter and remain in the engineering sector.
Celebrating the impactful achievements of Ireland’s engineering talent is just one of many ways in which Engineers Ireland showcases the diversity of the profession and the role engineers play in delivering sustainable solutions. Our celebration serves as an acknowledgment of the excellent work undertaken by Ireland’s engineers and their positive impact on society. It also provides inspiration for those considering careers in the engineering profession.
As we look to the months ahead, students across the country in primary and secondary schools will be afforded the opportunity to get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) activities through the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, Ireland’s only STEM outreach programme with a focus on engineering.
From primary school competitions for third-and fourth-class students, to work placement opportunities for Transition Year students, the STEPS programme is comprised of four pillars which encourage engineers and the wider community to help bring these exciting and immersive engineering experiences to life.
With STEPS Engineers Week now on the horizon and taking place from 4 – 10 March 2023, we in Engineers Ireland are calling on members of the engineering profession, schools and community groups to take an active role and to participate in this week-long showcase of the engineering profession. Our goal is to ensure that all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering.
By inspiring Ireland’s future engineering talent, together we can encourage young people to find out more about the profession and how they too can play a pivotal role in sustainable, social and economic development.
To view the Engineering Excellence Digital Series, held in association with ESB, and for more information on STEPS Engineers Week, visit: www.engineersireland.ie