Engineers Ireland Announces Speakers For National Conference

Engineers Ireland has announced the programme of speakers for its National Conference, Time for Inspiration, Engineering Innovation and Leadership in 2023.

The conference will take place on the 25 October at the O'Reilly Hall at University College Dublin.

Attendees will hear from a range of speakers on the role engineering is playing, and can play, in key areas of our society.

Dr Ronan Lyons, Associate Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Dublin, and member of State's Housing Commission will speak on the central economic challenges and opportunities facing Ireland over the coming years and how the country should address its capacity issues in housing.

Dr Tanya Harrington, Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland, will provide an up-to-date picture of how renewable energy is developing in Ireland and what changes are required over the coming years to achieve an effective transition to a net zero future.


Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Associate Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at UCD, will discuss research she is undertaking on mathematics education and the accessibility in STEM, while also outlining her work as Chair of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.

Niall Gleeson, CEO of Uisce Éireann, will address the engineering challenges the company encounters while protecting Ireland's water supply and providing a safe, secure, and sustainable water system to a rapidly growing population.

Seán Atkinson, Managing Director of ESB International, will speak about the provision of services in transmission and distribution, thermal and renewable power generation, utility management, and strategic advisory while placing focus on transition to low-carbon solutions.

Dr Jason Hill, the inventor and founder of Hill Helicopters will describe his reimagined approach to delivering and supporting safe, private aircraft, and the innovative skillset of the engineering team at his company.

Decarbonisation and environmental issues will also feature prominently through a panel discussion on the role engineering can play in building a sustainable future. Chaired by the Director General of Engineers Ireland, Damien Owens, the panel will comprise of Dr Elena Tsalaporta a Lecturer in Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork, Dr Matthew Kennedy a Sustainable Development Leader for Europe and Global Leader for Climate Strategy at Arup and Dr Richard Manton a Registrar and Chief Risk Officer at Engineers Ireland.

To conclude the conference, Engineers Ireland President, Dr Edmond Harty, will present awards for Presentation of the Year, CPD Accredited Employer of the Year, and Chartered Engineer of the Year, honouring outstanding achievement in the engineering profession in Ireland.