A total of 32 engineering projects have been shortlisted over seven categories, and three Cork-based engineering initiatives have been shortlisted for the Local Authority Engineering Initiative Award.

From flood relief schemes to parklands, castle conservations and an airport control tower, Engineers Ireland has revealed the 32 engineering projects shortlisted for the 2019 Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, held in association with ESB.

Recognition of achievements of engineers


The awards, founded in 2010, are presented annually in recognition of the achievements of engineers that have demonstrated exceptional engineering skills.

As well as identifying leaders within the engineering sector, the awards provide an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the invaluable contribution the engineering profession makes to society.

Cork engineering initiatives have led the shortlist in the Local Authority Engineering Initiative Award category, sponsored by Colas Bitumen Emulsions, with three of five shortlisted projects based in the city and county.

Five initiatives which aim to inspire and develop Ireland’s future engineering talent at third-level have also been shortlisted for the Engineering Education Award, sponsored by Accenture.

Newly introduced Sustainability Award


Additionally, the shortlisted projects for the newly introduced Sustainability Award, sponsored by Irish Water, the Heritage and Conservation Award, sponsored by the OPW, the Geoscience Ireland Award, sponsored by Geoscience Ireland and the Best Presentation Award, sponsored by Beale & Co and Griffiths & Armour were also announced by Engineers Ireland today, full details of which can be found here.

As part of the shortlist announcement, members of the public are encouraged to vote online for what they consider to be the best overall national Engineering Project of the Year before the midnight deadline of Friday, November 8.

This award is one of the most hotly contested categories with the winner decided by a voting process involving an online public vote and a panel of expert judges.

Shortlisted in the Engineering Project of the Year Award, sponsored by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are:

  • IAA Visual Control Tower, Dublin Airport by Arup
  • Cruiserath Biologics by Bristol Myers Squibb
  • East Tip Haulbowline Island Remediation Project by Cork County Council, RPS, PJ Hegarty & Sons and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
  • Dublin Port Ro-Ro Jetty by Keating
  • Ocean Pier Berth 31-34 by Keating
  • Center Parcs Longford Forest by ORS

To cast your vote for the national Engineering Project of the Year, please click here.

Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland, said: “The shortlisted projects for the Engineering Project of the Year Award, and indeed for the each of the shortlisted projects announced today are a testament to the reputation and talent of engineers.

“The initiatives shortlisted further showcase the many creative and ingenious solutions engineers implement for communities in Ireland and overseas. We look forward to showcasing the work of talented engineers at our Excellence Awards ceremony on 15 November and celebrating leaders in the field.”

Pat O’Doherty, ESB chief executive, said: “The quality of projects shortlisted epitomise engineering excellence and remind us of the impact that the engineering profession has on the daily lives of families and communities across Ireland.

“Engineers make an incredibly valuable contribution to society and play a critical role in addressing some of society’s biggest challenges, from providing renewable energy to delivering smart, sustainable infrastructure and protecting our water supplies.

'Work collectively to inspire young people'


"It is important therefore that we work collectively to inspire young people to consider engineering as a career choice, so that we can build the skills necessary to meet the long-term needs of our society.”

The black-tie Excellence Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, November 15, where a number of additional category awards will be presented on the evening, including: the ESB Outstanding Contribution to Engineering Award; the ESB International Engineer of the Year Award; the Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by Siemens; the Chartered Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by Arup; the CPD Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland; and the President’s Award, sponsored by CRH.

For further information on the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards and to view the shortlist in detail, please visit: www.engineersireland.ie/awards/excellence-awards.aspx