Taoiseach Micheál Martin applauds engineers' commitment to the country’s economic and social development – and their focus on climate change, 'the key challenge of our time' – as he unveils Engineers Ireland’s Statement of Strategic Intent 2021-2023. 

The Statement of Strategic Intent is aimed at guiding and inspiring the institution’s 25,500-strong membership and staff over the next three years, as well as its partners in industry, academia and policy which whom it collaborates.

 

'Innovative and sustainable future'

Speaking to members attending the online event on January 18, 2021, the Taoiseach said it was “greatly encouraging to see the plans of Engineers Ireland for securing an innovative and sustainable future for the Irish economy”. He added that “the Statement of Strategic Intent underlines once again the engineering industry’s commitment to the country’s economic and social development”.

He also said that "digitilisation was becoming a basic prerequisite" for all capital projects, and that we all needed to be "more nimble and to move more quickly".

Taoiseach Micheál Martin

The Taoiseach said that we would see significant development in the use of offshore wind. "It's going to be very important in meeting our renewables goals," he said.

The challenge for government would be to deliver on ensurinng that the full range of skills were available and able to complete the capital investment programme, which would be in excess of €10 billion this year.

'Important part in pandemic response'

Speaking in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taoiseach acknowledged the profession’s role in providing solutions for society, saying: “The profession has played an important part in the pandemic response, and will do again as we launch an ambitious capital investment programme to create jobs and improve quality of life.”

In implementing its new Statement of Strategic Intent, the director general, Caroline Spillane, said the institution “had determined five strategic themes to help support the organisation’s ambition to strengthen its role as a professional development body.” Those themes include growth, diversity, driving standards, innovation and championing sustainability. 

She also said that Engineers Ireland’s new plan had been informed by a review of progress and performance against the outgoing Strategic Plan (2017-2020) as well as an internal organisational analysis and an examination of the significant external environmental factors which could impact the institution.  

Commitment to excellence

“At all times, our choices are supported by a commitment to excellence in all areas of our work and to robust governance and strong financial controls,” said Spillane.

Maurice Buckley, president of Engineers Ireland, who also spoke at the event, said: “As president of Engineers Ireland, I am struck by the sheer breadth and depth of our membership. Through our collaborative effort, and the commitment and support of our members, I look forward to witnessing the development and growth of our organisation for the benefit of the engineering profession.”

Marguerite Sayers, immediate past president of Engineers Ireland, acknowledging the role members had played in the development of the new Statement of Strategic Intent, said: “We have a vibrant community of members and volunteers in Ireland and overseas and a wide range of partners whose effort, expertise and influence significantly increase our reach and impact. They are the lifeblood of the institution and as such we recognise that their expertise, support and collaboration is vital to the success of the institution.”

To read Engineers Ireland’s Statement of Strategic Intent 2021-2023, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/About-Us/Our-Strategy