IRELAND HAS the potential to be a world leader in wind and wave energy, but a shortage of engineers is hampering development, according to Siemens.

Dr Werner Kruckow, chief executive of the German engineering group's Irish operations, has called on industry and universities to work together to encourage more students to become engineers.

"We can create a new industry with significant employment and become a net exporter of renewable energy," said Dr Kruckow.

"However, if we are to deliver this vision, we need industry and universities collaborating to produce more inspiring engineering degree courses and marketing engineering as a career to secondary students.

"A continuation of the dramatic shortage in engineering graduates will negatively impact on economic investment into Ireland."

The number of students accepting places on technology-related courses decreased by a third between 2000 and 2007, according to CAO figures.

"Siemens in Ireland has many exciting projects in the pipeline, but my biggest challenge is to have a stream of young engineers to help us with these projects," said Dr Kruckow. "We urgently need to reverse the decline." Dr Kruckow made his comments at the presentation of a Siemens award for the most innovative young engineer.

Kieran O'Callaghan from Cork IT won for his design and development of a swimming aid for the visually impaired that alerts them when they are approaching a swimming pool wall.