Geoscience Ireland (GI) member Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), a leading Irish-based, global offshore wind energy consultancy firm, yesterday announced  plans to recruit up to 500 professionals over the next five years to support the establishment of an Engineering Hub focused on analysis and innovation to serve growing demand for its services, both domestically and internationally.

Founded in 2011 by Paul Doherty, a veteran of the Irish offshore wind sector, the company with offices in Dublin, Cork and Belfast, was acquired by UK-based Venterra Group in 2021. The new roles announced on 31st May will focus on engineering analysis, numerical modelling, and offshore design. Leveraging its solid international industry networks, GDG aims to reinforce its position as Ireland’s leading offshore wind energy consultancy, while expanding its customer base in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Welcoming the news Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD  said: “These new engineering roles are hugely welcome and create numerous exciting opportunities for skilled engineers of all levels. This project supports the Governments plans in aiming to have Ireland carbon neutral by 2050. We are committed to increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources from 30% to up to 80% by 2030. Wind energy provides an emissions free, clean and renewable energy source and initiatives like this that create employment and advancing our decarbonisation goals are fully supported.”

Speaking at a  Press Conference in Engineers Ireland yesterday, Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “This  expansion will add important capability to Ireland’s offshore wind supply chain  and positions Ireland as the GDG’s global engineering services hub to serve its growing customer base internationally.”

Commenting on the development, GI Director Sean Finlay said;

“Geoscience  provides the  the foundation for the development of Offshore Wind Energy (OWE). GDG is a leading designer and advisor for the sector and under the leadership of Paul Doherty, has built a significant presence in the OWE  markets in Ireland and internationally. Paul serves on the Advisory Board of GI ; he and GDG make an important contribution to GI and to the engineering profession.”