Mr. Byrne emphasised the need to develop a transport infrastructure in line with the needs of a growing economy. In recent years the Government has decreased the level of capital expenditure on transport infrastructure, and in particular, the investment in land transport, thus creating serious bottlenecks in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers:
This highlights the need to de-carbonise our energy systems across the electrical, heating and transport sections by 2050. Government policy objectives such as eliminating coal and peat fired generation are broadly on line if we continue to promote renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar power.
The land transport sector accounts for a very large majority of oil based journeys. To achieve the objectives this must be changed to electric or hybrid vehicles and the Government must continue to incentivise the change over by eliminating tax take, whether by VRT or Road tax on such environmental friendly vehicles.
Broadband:
The installation of Ireland’s broadband infrastructure is the twenty first century equivalent of the rural electrification undertaken one hundred years ago, in terms of ambition, scale and socio economic benefits to the nation. The availability of skilled resources, including skilled Mechanical and Electrical engineers is paramount. Not only is recruitment of students to enter into third level education in the engineering professions being targeted by state and private companies, but there is a huge demand for graduate engineers, both mechanical and Electrical, at present. However, in order to future proof the country’s sustainable economic growth, and public infrastructure requirements, there is a continuing need to build interest in the engineering professions.
Government needs to work with the industry to encourage students to choose engineering as a career and to indicate ways to journey through the various training and education routes available, e.g. third level, apprenticeship, and further skills based training programs.
If you are considering a move back to Ireland and wish to discuss the current opportunities within the Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Construction industries, please contact c.herlihy@gpcireland.com or call Caroline on + 353 86 8055216.