Engineers Ireland Amplified

Managing modern port infrastructure requires balancing complex marine engineering, environmental compliance, and round-the-clock commercial shipping operations. Expanding berthing capacity while protecting delicate marine ecosystems presents constant technical challenges for engineering leaders.Overcoming these operational obstacles demands innovative capital dredging strategies, advanced acoustic monitoring, and deep historical knowledge of coastal dynamics. Port engineering teams must guarantee vessel safety while deploying cutting-edge marine equipment in busy fairways.Host Dusty Rhodes sits down with Eamon McElroy, Port Engineer at Dublin Port. With nearly two decades of experience overseeing marine infrastructure, dredging projects, and environmental conservation, Eamon shares invaluable practical insights into managing one of the busiest maritime hubs in Europe.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTScope and scale of maritime trade through Dublin PortHistorical engineering behind the South and North Bull WallsCapital dredging protocols and managing marine environmental complianceOperational deployment of the Magnor backhoe dredgerPractical advice for civil engineers building impactful careersGUEST DETAILSEamon McElroy is the Port Engineer at Dublin Port, where he has led marine infrastructure maintenance, environmental conservation programmes, and major capital dredging projects for nearly twenty years. He holds an honours degree in civil engineering from the University of Dundee and oversees critical environmental initiatives, including tern and black guillemot conservation plans in Dublin Bay.MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESI tell people to understand the size and scope of Dublin Port, go into any shop in Ireland, and left three different items that have been imported. Two of those items came through Dublin Port to give you the scale. - Eamon McElroyAnd what we say in Dublin Port is we guarantee at least one metre of water under the keel. - Eamon McElroyThe key word for dredging is production. You don't stop a dredger; you just do not. - Eamon McElroyKEYWORDS #MarineEngineering#DublinPort#CapitalDredgingOperations#World'sLargestBackhoeDredger#CivilEngineeringProblemSolving

Technical prowess no longer guarantees a successful career in modern engineering. While a strong degree builds the foundation, the ability to translate complex solutions into customer value defines the true leaders of the industry. This shift requires professionals to master interpersonal skills and strategic thinking to navigate global operations successfully.Shane Callanan, Vice President of Medical at Advanced Energy, joins the platform to share his transition from a technical contributor to a global leader. With three decades of experience in power conversion, Shane details how to maintain high standards across international teams and why trust serves as the bedrock of successful remote management.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTWhy technical skills alone are no longer enough.Building a marketing-led engineering culture.Managing global engineering teams via trust.Mentorship as a tool for talent retention.The next generation of engineering skill sets.GUEST DETAILSShane Callanan is Vice President of Medical at Advanced Energy. Operating from the company's base in Cork, Shane leads high-performing engineering teams across international jurisdictions, including Minnesota, Mexico, and newly established operations in the Philippines. He is a seasoned senior leader who balances complex global engineering operations with a deep passion for mentoring graduate engineers and interns, driving both technical excellence and talent retention across the industry.Connect with Shane:Website: https://www.advancedenergy.comSocial Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-callanan-49a45a15/MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESJust being a strong engineer is not good enough anymore. - Shane CallananIf you want to go into growth, you have to actually move towards a marketing-led organisation. - Shane CallananHire people that you trust, and there's very few people in our organisation that need to be managed in a traditional way. - Shane CallananKEYWORDS #EngineeringLeadershipCommunication#GlobalEngineeringTeams#EngineeringCareerProgression#EngineeringMentorshipFrameworks

Engineering culture remains trapped in outdated norms, risking the mental health and retention of top talent. Relying on diversity metrics alone fails to solve the underlying problem of workplace culture.True success requires moving beyond surface-level attraction to fostering genuine inclusion and psychological safety. This shift is not just an ethical imperative; it is essential for team performance, innovation, and industry wellbeing.Joining us to dissect how firms can build these inclusive cultures are ESB civil engineer Tymora Freeman-Stannett and OutEngineered representative Poggy Murray Whitham. They share practical insights on how to transition from empty policies to meaningful everyday changes that ensure every professional feels seen, heard, and valued.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTWhy traditional lad culture alienates LGBTQ+ professionalsDistinguishing tokenistic diversity from genuine inclusionConnecting psychological safety to industry mental healthReal world impact of external political pressures on DEISimple everyday actions for effective allyshipGUESTS DETAILSTymora Freeman-StannettTymora Freeman-Stannett is a civil engineer at ESB, where she actively manages the construction of utility-scale solar farms powering Ireland's green transition. Throughout her career, Tymora has been out and proud, serving as an active advocate within ESB’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. Outside of hard hats and site plans, she is the Chair of the Irish Games Association, championing safe, inclusive, and accessible community spaces.Connect with Tymora : linkedin.com/in/tymora-freeman-stannettPoggy Murray WhithamPoggy Murray Whitham is a prominent member and representative of OutEngineered, an organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting, and elevating LGBTQ+ professionals and allies across the engineering and tech sectors. Poggy's work centers on breaking down systemic industry barriers, driving corporate representation, and building active networks that ensure engineering offices and physical construction sites alike are welcoming environments for all.Connect with Poggy: linkedin.com/in/poggy-murray-whitham LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/munya-bakasa (Senior Engineer, PUNCH Consulting Engineers)MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESDiversity without inclusion just leads to tokenism. Inclusion breeds diversity. - Poggy Murray WhithamYou feel like you've come into a truth as opposed to a facade. - Tymora Freeman-StannettInclusion is making sure that all of those people are heard, are seen, and genuinely have a voice within the organisation. - Poggy Murray WhithamPart of allyship is opening your mind to that. You can ask the questions, but understand someone might not be prepared to give you the answer. So you have to do the work yourself. - Tymora Freeman-StannettKEYWORDS: #LGBTQinEngineering#InclusiveEngineering#EngineeringCulture#Allyship#EngineeringWellbeing

Professional engineers often face the constraint of being pigeonholed into specific roles based on demographic factors, yet the most successful teams are those that dismantle these barriers. When engineering is embraced as a truly gender-neutral career, it unlocks a powerful diversity of thought that drives innovation and superior project outcomes. Engineering problem solving requires a blend of scientific rigour and creative thinking to deliver impactful results. We explore how to break free from professional boxes, manage complex large-scale infrastructure projects, and incorporate social value into procurement. Joining us is Gemma McCarthy, Vice President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland and Regional Director at Mott MacDonald. Gemma shares her expertise on leading multidisciplinary teams and offers a fresh perspective on how inclusive, gender-neutral leadership paves the way for a more successful and dynamic engineering profession.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTSolving the Celtic Interconnector challengeEngineering as a creative disciplineManaging large infrastructure budgetsImplementing social value in procurementThe future generation of engineersGUEST DETAILSGemma McCarthy is the Vice President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland and a Regional Director at Mott MacDonald. She combines high-level technical direction with strategic leadership in the Irish engineering sector. Gemma is a strong advocate for diverse representation, leveraging her experience to drive professional development and infrastructure solutions for society. She has spent 15 years with Mott MacDonald overseeing major regional operations.Connect with Gemma:Website: https://www.acei.ieSocial Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-mccarthy-5681a717/MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESI used to rail against the, are you creative, are you scientific? Engineering is very much the crossover of the two. - Gemma McCarthyAt the end of the day, we're problem solvers. - Gemma McCarthyWe are only as good as the currency of our own skills at the moment. - Gemma McCarthyKEYWORDS #ProjectManagement #EngineeringTips #InfrastructureProjects #TechnicalLeadership #SystemDesign

Talented engineers often fear that moving abroad means sacrificing hard-earned professional momentum. This mindset overlooks the reality that an engineering qualification is a borderless passport for innovation and personal growth. In this episode of our Global Engineers mini-series, we explore how top international talent selects Ireland as their professional base, bringing fresh perspectives that drive the industry forward.We discuss how firms successfully integrate these new approaches, the cultural nuances of Irish engineering, and the actionable advice that will empower you to build a thriving career overseas.Our guests are Munya Bakasa, a South African senior structural engineer spearheading major consulting projects, and Krystyna Dimtchev, a Polish project manager and chair of the Women in Engineering Society.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTChoosing to base careers in IrelandChallenges of technical language barriersIrish culture of collaboration and trustManaging complex structural engineering projectsAdvice for engineers moving abroadGUESTS DETAILSKrystyna Dimtchev is an Associate Programme Manager at Arcadis and the current Chair of the Engineers Ireland Women in Engineering Society. Originally from Poland, she is an IPMA Certified Senior Project Manager with extensive experience in environmental engineering and building services. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.Connect with Krystyna : LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystyna-dimtchev (Associate Programme Manager, Arcadis & Chair of the Women in Engineering Society)Munya Bakasa is a Senior Engineer at PUNCH Consulting Engineers. Originally from South Africa, he is a key lead on major infrastructural developments. He brings structural and civil engineering expertise to the Irish market and is a strong advocate for active travel infrastructure.Connect with Munya:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/munya-bakasa (Senior Engineer, PUNCH Consulting Engineers)MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESOne of the biggest differences I have experienced in Ireland is the emphasis on the collaboration of openness and trust. - Krystyna DimtchevYou strike a better work-life balance in the local environment, as opposed to back home. - Munya BakasaI've learned from them, it's not if you have the book, you have the equations, you have the calculations, but just to understand makes you a true engineer. - Krystyna DimtchevYour perspective, both professionally and personally, is broadened beyond what you expect. - Munya BakasaKEYWORDS: #GlobalEngineering #IrishCareer #EngineeringAbroad #CareerGrowth #InternationalEngineer

Ireland's energy transition demands a new calibre of engineering leadership and talent to secure its critical infrastructure for the future. The challenge is not just technical; it is about cultivating a culture of safety, innovation, and diverse perspectives across the sector.This episode explores the pivotal role of engineers in making high-stakes decisions, transforming safety from a rule to a core value, and addressing the persistent gender imbalance in the industry. Learn how a varied background and holistic thinking are key to solving the complex problems of tomorrow, from power generation to the energy demands of artificial intelligence.Joining us is Majella Henchion, Technical Capability Manager at ESB, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. Majella shares her three decades of experience, transitioning from managing iconic sites like Turlough Hill to leading the strategic recruitment of the next generation of engineers.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTOvercoming professional imposter syndrome.Managing high-risk power plant operations.Making safety a deeply human value.Why engineering needs more women.Developing future holistic engineering talent.GUEST DETAILSMajella Henchion is the Technical Capability Manager at ESB, responsible for ensuring the utility possesses the personnel required to drive the energy transition. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland, her career spans three decades in pivotal leadership roles. Her key achievements include managing the Turlough Hill pumped storage station and leading critical safety assurance programmes.Connect with Majella:Website: https://www.esb.ieSocial Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majellahenchion/?originalSubdomain=ieMORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Ireland Amplified is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESImposter syndrome comes back every time you take on a new challenge, and what I began to realise was I liked that challenge. – Majella HenchionIf you can put that trust in people, they will repay you double fold. – Majella HenchionWe need our engineers to be more holistic in their thinking. – Majella HenchionKEYWORDS #ElectricalEngineering #BehaviouralSafety #EnergyTransition #GenderDiversity #HolisticProblemSolving

Many talented engineers hesitate to move abroad, fearing they will lose career momentum and disconnect from the vibrant Irish engineering community. However, an Irish engineering degree is in fact a global passport, opening doors to innovation on an international scale while maintaining strong Irish roots.This special mini-series explores how Irish engineers successfully navigate international markets, secure funding, overcome the fear of failure, and leverage their qualifications to build thriving careers overseas. They also discuss how the Irish engineering community supports them abroad.Joining the conversation is Joseph Mooney, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree at the forefront of US energy research, and Sinéad Conneely, a Structural Director and Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer of the Year finalist.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTChoosing to leave Ireland and whereIrish engineering qualifications are valued globallyWhy Irish engineers are natural risk-takersFunding differences between US and IrelandPractical advice for moving abroad earlierGUESTS DETAILSJoseph Mooney is the Co-Founder of WattAir and a Research Engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, recently named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Energy. Connect with Joseph:linkedin.com/in/josephpmooneySinéad Conneely is a Director and Structural Engineer at Simple Works in London, a finalist for the Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer of the Year, and a leader in the UK construction industry.Connect with Sinéad:linkedin.com/in/sinéad-conneely-9b847139MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

Mega projects often struggle under their own sheer weight, leading to massive budget overruns, stakeholder conflict, and unmanaged complexity. The challenge lies in managing change ruthlessly while maintaining safety and quality across vast, long-term undertakings.This episode explores the disciplined mindset required to deliver major infrastructure on time and on budget, focusing on "right-to-left" planning, risk ownership, and the crucial role of collaboration. We also look at how digital tools like BIM and AI are revolutionising project delivery and safety in the construction sector.Our guest is Carl Devlin, Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. His three decades of experience include senior leadership on iconic projects such as London Heathrow Terminal 5 and upgrading 40 per cent of the London Underground networkTHINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTDriving career with big goalsRight-to-left planning and requirementsMinimising change on mega projectsLeading rail expansion in Hong KongUsing AI for construction safetyGUEST DETAILSCarl Devlin is the Capital Works Director at MTR Corporation. He oversees new railway projects and major upgrades for Hong Kong's sophisticated transport network. His core expertise includes navigating the immense complexity of mega-projects, balancing technical excellence with strategic stakeholder demands, and spearheading digital transformation in construction.Connect with Carl Devlin:Website: https://www.mtr.com.hkSocial Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-devlinMORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESWhen you're managing change, you have to look holistically at the whole system, not just at the components that you're actually accountable for. - Carl DevlinChange is the thing that drives mega projects off course, because once you've committed a supply chain... and you change one of the requirements, it can have a huge knock on impact on the project.  - Carl DevlinI keep saying to my team, if you were spending the money out of your wallet, would you do this?   - Carl DevlinKEYWORDS #MegaProjects #ProjectManagement #EngineeringLeadership #DigitalConstruction #InfrastructureInvestment

Engineers spend too much time fixing broken data instead of focusing on high-level design. This inefficiency, known as workflow friction, is a major enemy of modern construction projects.This episode explores how intelligent automation and verified software can eliminate manual rework and enhance global collaboration. We discuss the crucial challenge of trust between engineers and fabricators, the necessity of specialised AI solutions, and the innovations of Trim BIM.Our guest is David Sanderson, a former site engineer who now leads Product Strategy for Trimble’s structural tools. He offers a unique 40-year perspective, having witnessed the digital transformation of engineering since 1982THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTAccidentally invented structural software in 1982Lack of trust creates workflow frictionSpecialised AI best for tedious tasksCommercial value prioritises software featuresContractual deliverable is still 2D drawingGUEST DETAILSDavid Sanderson is the Senior Product Manager for Structural Design Products at Trimble. His expertise is rooted in structural design, leading product strategy for major tools like Tekla Structural Designer, and championing the use of verified, quality-assured software in the industry.Connect with David Sanderson, Senior Product Manager for Structural Design Products at Trimble:PUBLIC CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.trimble.com/en/products/teklaSOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sanderson-49926852/MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESThe contractual deliverable is still a 2d drawing, believe it or not. - David SandersonThe biggest issue that I can see now is that within a project, you've got many stakeholders. - David SandersonPeople have got to start accepting other people's models on trust, in my view. - David SandersonKEYWORDS #StructuralEngineering #IntelligentAutomation #WorkflowFriction #TrimBIM #PortalFrameDesign

Building and maintaining Ireland's vital coastal infrastructure requires facing the relentless challenge of climate change and rising sea levels. Protecting the country's six dedicated fishery harbour centres and their multi-million euro capital programme demands innovative engineering and strict public spending compliance.This episode explores the high-stakes engineering required to adapt harbours for tomorrow, deploying modern tools like GIS and drones for efficiency, and the unexpected permitting hurdles government departments must navigate. You will also hear about the fascinating complexities of Noel’s private sector career, including the challenging Dunboy Castle restoration and the mammoth Opera Lane basement construction in Cork City.We are delighted to welcome Chief Engineer at the Marine Engineering Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Clancy, who shares his journey from Cork construction sites to leading national coastal upgrades.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTCareer journey from private to public.Restoring Dunboy Castle from ruins.Constructing deep basements in Cork City.Managing Ireland's fishery harbour centres.Designing coastal infrastructure for climate change.GUEST DETAILSNoel Clancy is the Chief Engineer in Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, leading the Marine Engineering Division. A civil engineering graduate and Fellow of Engineers Ireland, he is renowned for modernising public sector projects with GIS mapping and drone inspections. He manages the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades for state fishery harbours while promoting lifelong learning and mentoring young engineersConnect with Noel:PUBLIC CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/biographies/noel-clancy/SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-clancy-41989738MORE INFORMATIONLooking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/   Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.QUOTESSo the better the information that we have at the front end, the better chance we have of not getting into dispute with the contractor.  - Noel Clancy "It's very important to have a relationship, and it's very important to have no surprises, you know, so to have everything properly planned. - Noel Clancy One key thing is adaption, and essentially that's changing what you have to deal with, what you know is going to happen. - Noel Clancy KEYWORDS #MarineEngineering #CoastalAdaptation #CivilEngineering #PublicSectorProjects #FisheryHarbours