Once a fortnight our ‘What It’s Like…’ Series will interview a member of one of the governance boards, highlighting their work, their role in the Engineers Ireland community and advice for members interested in becoming involved. This week’s interview is with Ciaran Fahy, former chair of the Dispute Resolution Board.

Nature of engineering and construction projects

Given the nature of engineering and construction projects it is not unusual for disputes to arise and, Engineers Ireland, through its Dispute Resolution Board, plays a significant role in dispute resolution.

The objective of the 10-member Dispute Resolution Board, which consists of Chartered Engineers and two construction lawyers, is to formulate Engineers Ireland policies and procedures relating to dispute resolution in the construction industry.

Ciaran Fahy

The board also manages the appointment of conciliators, arbitrators, adjudicators and mediators in contract disputes, and organises seminars and events to support member-learning in this area.

Ciaran Fahy qualified as a civil engineer and is both a Chartered member and a Fellow of Engineers Ireland since 1991. He has served on the Board of Examiners and chaired the Ethics and Disciplinary Board until 2009 when he joined the Dispute Resolution Board.

Complemented professional experience and interests

Fahy then served as chair of the Dispute Resolution Board until 2015 and remains a member of the board today. Reflecting on the reasons he decided to join the board, he notes that a key factor was that the work of the board complemented his own professional experience and interests.

“I started to work in the area of dispute resolution in 2006 and was chair of the CIArb Irish Branch in 2008/2009; consequently, I had a particular interest in the work of the Dispute Resolution Board,” he says.

Fahy's interest, coupled with his experience working with other committees within Engineers Ireland, meant he was suitably placed to join the Dispute Resolution Board and become a valuable contributor. 

Rewarding experience

In considering the highs and lows of being a board member, Fahy observes that while “trying to keep abreast of developments in the construction industry and provide significant and helpful contributions whether by way of procedures, training, lectures and seminars” can be a challenging element of the work, there is still an equally rewarding experience for every challenging one.

One such rewarding experience is the opportunity to work with people from a broad spectrum across the construction industry, a key feature of the Dispute Resolution Board.

“The Dispute Resolution Board sets out to draw from people at a senior level working as designers, contractors, construction lawyers as well as those involved in the public sector and finally those working as third party experts in dispute resolution.

"The approach of the board is particularly open and is reflected in its panels which includes engineers, architects, surveyors and lawyers drawn not only from Ireland but also abroad with all chosen on the basis of objective criteria.”

'Invaluable insights and perspective'

Consequently, being a member of the board has provided Fahy with an interesting array of networking and learning opportunities. “My time on the Dispute Resolution Board has brought me into contact with several people working at senior level within the dispute resolution area of the construction industry and that has given me invaluable insights and perspective.

"My involvement in the work of the board, particularly in the drafting of new procedures, and the organisation and participation in lectures and seminars, has greatly developed my own knowledge in the area.”

The Dispute Resolution Board is appointed by Council for a three-year term. Vacancies arise as members stand down having served a term or terms.

Weighing up his experiences on the board to date, and considering its technical nature, Fahy advises that “membership of the board would be of particular benefit to somebody who is either working directly in dispute resolution or alternatively coming into contact with it while working for a contractor, employer or design office”.

Engineers Ireland could not function without the active participation of so many of our members who give so enthusiastically of their time and talents to serve the profession.

Further information on the Dispute Resolution Board and the panels they manage is available here.