Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Natural Resources Denis Naughten TD will deliver a keynote address to delegates at this year’s Engineers Ireland Annual Conference, taking place in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co. Offaly on Thursday 4 May. Entitled ‘Challenges and Opportunities: Flooding and Renewable Energy in 2017’, the theme reflects the critical role of engineering in assessing and mitigating challenges, while excelling in innovation to meet future energy demands and flooding risks. In collaboration with the Midlands Region Committee, Engineers Ireland has assembled an esteemed line-up of national and international speakers and engaging topics that are relevant for the spectrum of engineering professionals who will gather at the conference. Along with the Minister, the following experts will be speaking: • Erik Kraaij, (dep.) director of the National River and Sea Defence Programme, The Netherlands; • Conall Boland, board member and deputy chairperson, An Bord Pleanála; • Marie Donnelly, director for new and renewable sources of energy efficiency and innovation at DG Energy, European Commission; • Mark Adamson, head of Flood Relief and Risk Management Division, Office of Public Works; • Anthony Cawley, hydrologist and visiting lecturer at University of Limerick; • Dr Paul Quinn, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University; • Gary Healy, CEO, Irish Wind Energy Association; • Tom Marren, CEO, CES Energy. Speakers will share their experience and knowledge of the resources, techniques, innovation and focus required meet Ireland’s future challenges and opportunities. Delegate packages are available and competitively priced from €159 and can be purchased on our conference website: engineersirelandconference.ie. A series of late afternoon activities have also been organised to engage delegates, including a tour of Mountlucas WindFarm, led by Brendan Connolly, Business Development Manager, Bord na Móna Powergen and the screening of Dream Big: Engineering our World will also be shown in the conference centre. A detailed line-up and agenda is listed on our conference website.