Ayesa wins project of the year at Engineering Excellence Awards 2025

Ayesa has received the engineering project of the year award at the Engineering Excellence Awards 2025 for its transformative work on the Arklow wastewater treatment plant.

The award was presented at a ceremony at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, where 253 attendees celebrated outstanding achievements across Irish engineering. The event, hosted by Colm O’Regan, saw 22 trophies awarded from 95 entries in the second year of the awards programme.

The landmark Arklow project marks the end of decades of raw sewage discharge in the town, significantly improving water quality and public health while protecting the local marine ecosystem. Judges commended the project for its technical precision, collaborative delivery, and forward-thinking environmental design, describing it as a model for modern infrastructure that blends performance, resilience, and sustainability.

John Byrne, country manager for the UK and Ireland at Ayesa, commented: “The project exemplifies how world-class technical design, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental responsibility can work together to deliver long-term value for Ireland. It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when public and private sectors come together with shared purpose.”

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The Engineering Excellence Awards recognise the transformative power of Irish engineering across diverse fields. From groundbreaking construction and design to innovative industrial and manufacturing solutions, the awards honour outstanding achievements and inspire future generations.

Other award winners included Viatris, IN2 Engineering Design Partnership, PanelDuct, ORS, Dairymaster, Croom Medical, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Stephen Smyth, senior manager-asset management, described Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s award as recognition for the organisation’s sustainability and environmental work. “We’re a large-scale agency in Ireland and value being recognised for our sustainability and transport infrastructure efforts,” he said.

PanelDuct won the award in the manufacturing engineering project category. “We were up against some extremely good projects, so we’re very proud and grateful to win our award,” said Sharon McKeown, operations and supply chain manager.

Judging coordinator Graham Heaslip noted that the judging process highlighted the depth of technical expertise, creativity, and commitment to sustainable and socially responsible engineering. Entrants demonstrated an increasing emphasis on integrating environmental performance, digital technologies, and community value into their work, showing that engineering excellence now extends well beyond technical achievement alone.

“A clear and growing trend across submissions was the embedding of sustainability principles in every stage of project delivery, and many of the strongest entries highlighted successful collaboration between engineering disciplines, academia, industry, and community stakeholders,” he added.

“The 2025 awards reaffirm that engineering in Ireland is thriving, future-focused, and deeply aligned with global sustainability goals. As we look ahead, the continued fusion of innovation, collaboration, and responsibility will remain central to defining true engineering excellence.”

Among the finalists, Andrew Hodson, CEO at Verus Metrology Partners, said making the shortlist for engineering firm of the year was a proud moment. “Our work in turnkey metrology fixturing for the medical device sector, a cornerstone of Ireland’s engineering success, combined with our move into automation alongside Zeiss Automated Solutions, highlights our vision for the future of precision engineering,” he explained.

Alistair Heanen, delivery director at Amey, said the firm was honoured to be recognised among peers driving engineering forward as it expands its footprint in Ireland. “These awards highlight the sector’s commitment to excellence and purpose, values that guide our work in consultancy and infrastructure delivery across the region,” he added.

Stephanus Meiring, managing director at Rent the Runway, described making the shortlist in several award categories as an “extraordinary recognition” of the vision, talent, and dedication of the Rent the Runway teams in Galway. “These awards really reflect the strength of our culture at Rent the Runway and our commitment to building world-class products and experience,” he stated.

ORS said its award in the engineering consultancy category is “a significant milestone” for the company, reflecting the expertise, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that its teams deliver across every project. An IN2 Engineering spokesperson remarked: “Being engineering firm of the year 2025 isn’t just about the buildings we design but the people who create them. The award is a reflection of our people, our passion, and our purpose.”

Ben Molloy, community lead at awards organiser BusinessRiver, commented: “Events like the Engineering Excellence Awards are only possible thanks to the valued support of our partners. We’re especially grateful to Amárach Research and our communications partner, The Irish Times, whose investment highlights their continued commitment to celebrating innovation and achievement within Ireland’s engineering community. I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to all of this year’s entrants. Your dedication and ingenuity are what make these awards truly special.”

Awards judges

Graham Heaslip (judging coordinator) - dean, faculty of engineering and computing, Atlantic Technological University
Brian Caulfield - professor in transportation, Trinity College Dublin
Matt Cotterell - head of school, MTU
Eoghan Cunnane - associate professor in biomedical materials engineering, University of Limerick
Brian Deegan - lecturer, electrical and electronic engineering, University of Galway
Daniel Clarke Hagan - programme chair, lecturer, Atlantic Technical University
Niall Hanley - contracts director, JJ Rhatigan
Claire Kelleher - senior director, technical development and services, Biomarin International Ltd
James McNamara - lecturer, TUS Midlands/Mid-West
Catherine O’Brien - precast operations director, Punch Consulting Engineers
Tom Rowan - managing director, Rowan Engineering
Leandro Serra - senior director of engineering - Americas, Plexus Corp
Barry Williams - managing director, Mott MacDonald Ireland Ltd