Each week the Sector Spotlight Series will showcase and celebrate the achievements of our regions, divisions and societies, and this week we are pleased to profile the Cork region, led by chairperson Alan Costello.
The Cork region is a hub for members based in Cork city and Cork county. The region represents all sectors of the industry, including third level, local authorities, contractors, consultancies, SMEs and researchers, and has an established record of providing CPD events, including evening lectures, site visits and technical seminars, to about 3,500 members of Engineers Ireland in the region.
Pictured: Cork region committee 2019 – 2020
Chairperson Alan Costello said: “It’s been a fantastic year in the region and a privilege to lead such a dedicated and hard-working committee. Even with the curtailed events programme we have hosted more than 30 events in the region between September and March.
"This would not be possible without contributions from industry, public sector bodies and our third-level institutions; as well as the continued support of Engineers Ireland members in Cork. As we get ready to celebrate 80 years in 2020-2021, our region continues to go from strength to strength.
Construction Contract Principles for Engineers
"One of the highlights of our committee’s 2019- 2020 events programme was the Construction Contract Principles for Engineers series, which was delivered over four evenings in October by speakers from Ireland and the UK.
"The series covered subjects on contract forms including NEC and public works contracts, dispute avoidance and construction defects. The series received excellent feedback from the 240 attendees.
"Another highlight was our visit to the Jack Lynch Tunnel to mark the 20th anniversary of its opening in 1999. This event provided members with a unique opportunity to get a closer look at the operation and maintenance activities undertaken during a live tunnel closure.
"Our winter lecture series covered topics as diverse as 'Conservation Engineering'; 'Construction & Demolition Waste in Ireland'; 'CE Marking of Structural Steel Products'; and 'Data Analytics in the Energy Sector'.
"Many of these events have been webcast to our members, which has been warmly received within the region by those juggling family and work commitments combined with long commutes.
"There is no doubt that the webcasting knowledge we have developed within the committee will benefit us in the months ahead as online delivery becomes the primary means of CPD delivery and communication with our members.
Cork chairperson Alan Costello pictured with president, Marguerite Sayers, at the Cork region annual dinner
"In February, we held our annual black-tie dinner, which has been taking place continuously now for more than 50 years. This event offers an opportunity for engineers and construction professionals at all stages of their career to meet and socialise with colleagues, clients and members of the engineering community.
"We were honoured to host the deputy lord mayor of Cork city and deputy major of Cork county as invited guests as well as our president, Marguerite Sayers, and representatives of CIT and UCC.
"This preceded our STEPS Engineers Week activities which included a comprehensive programme of events organised by the Cork Young Engineers Society committee. This included a site visit to the Tyndall International Energy Research Centre and attendance at the ‘Meet the Engineers’ Family Fun Day at the Old Cork Waterworks Experience.”
AGM
The Cork Region AGM will take place online at 7pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, via the Avaya Spaces cloud-based video conferencing and meeting app.
Members who are based within the region are encouraged to attend the AGM to hear the chairperson's review of the year, elect the new committee and discuss plans for the coming year. New committee members are also encouraged to join the online meeting.
Register your interest today on https://www.engineersireland.ie/listings/event/6755