West Region CPD Series 2026: Sustainability in the West of Ireland

The opening event of the CPD series brought speakers on climate action, transport and water engineering to Atlantic Technological University Galway. Experts from two local authorities and an engineering consultant highlighted local projects, plans, challenges and innovation across the West of Ireland.

Speakers and topics

• Laura Dixon, Climate Action Coordinator, Mayo County Council – Climate action
• Frank Clancy, Senior Executive Engineer, Galway City Council – Transport
• Brian Gallagher, Technical Director, TOBIN Consulting Engineers – Water
• Chair: Richard Manton, Engineers Ireland West Region

Offshore renewable energy

The first webinar of the series was held on the topic of offshore renewable energy. Two of the speakers represented state bodies: Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) and the Maritime Area Regulatory Agency (MARA). The final speaker is based in Simply Blue Group, a leading renewable energy developer.

Speakers and topics

• Edwin Mooney, Marine Planning Engineer, DCEE - “Making a national Designated Maritime Area Plan for ORE”
• Kate Clarke, Head of Maritime Area Consenting, MARA - “The current and future role of the Maritime Area Consent in ORE”
• Val Cummins, Chief Impact Officer & Portfolio Director Ireland, Simply Blue Group - “The Erebus project – project update and the prospects for floating wind in Ireland”
• Chair: John Evans, Engineers Ireland West Region

Le Seachtain na Gaeilge a chéiliúradh, d’eagraigh Cumann na nInnealtóirí seimineár gréasáin ar ‘Innealtóireacht agus Inbhuanaitheacht’. Seo a leanas na cainteoirí

• Tomás Ó Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta
• Cormac Ó Cadhain, Composites Testing Laboratory
• Fintan Hegarty, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
• Cathaoirleach: Damien Owens, Cumann na nInnealtóirí

To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge, Engineers Ireland hosted a webinar on ‘Engineering and Sustainability’. The speakers were as follows:

• Tomás Ó Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta
• Cormac Ó Cadhain, Composites Testing Laboratory
• Fintan Hegarty, University of Galway
• Chair: Damien Owens, Engineers Ireland

Engineers Ireland is licensed to award the Chartered Environmentalist professional title, recognising recognising the specialist use of knowledge, understanding and skills to protect and enhance the environment in a sustainable way. This webinar provided guidance on eligibility, competencies, and application preparation for the Chartered Environmentalist title.

Speakers and topics

• Barbara O'Keeffe, Engineers Ireland – Process
• James Massey, Rowan Engineering Consultants – Interviewer perspective
• Aidan Bermingham, Office of Public Works – Applicant perspective
• Mohamed Bedear, Engineers Ireland West Region – Chartered Engineer, the first step to Chartered Environmentalist
• Chair: Richard Manton, Engineers Ireland West Region

This on-site technical visit showcased the major engineering works undertaken to address flooding in Crossmolina. Attendees gained first-hand insight into project design, flood management strategies and environmental considerations. Following the site visit, the group met in Hiney’s Bar in Crossmolina for a photo presentation, refreshments and networking.

Main guides:

• Eamon McAndrew, Office of Public Works
• Jonathan Reid, Ryan Hanley Stantec
• Organiser: James McHale, Engineers Ireland West Region