This has been a very busy time for our Academy and in this Academy news bulletin are some key recent highlights:
- 8th April 2026 – The Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026, passed stage 1 in the Oireachtas on 8th April. This is a key outcome from the work of the Academy and the Accelerating Infrastructure Task force.
It allows the Government to designate specific infrastructure projects or programmes as “critical,” on the recommendation of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Infrastructure is defined broadly in these sectors: transport, energy, and water/wastewater systems.
Once designated, public bodies involved must prioritise that project over other work, move quickly, streamline approvals, run processes in parallel where possible, and report to the Minister on request. The Minister can also issue binding directions to those bodies.
- 28th April 2026 – The President of Ireland launched the Business and Law Chapter of the University of Galway Alumni Society on at the Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place. Pictured at the event were:
Rosemarie Loftus, President of the Law Society, Uachtarán na h-Éireann Catherine Connolly, and Martin Hogan, Irish Academy of Engineering.
Martin Hogan FIAE is also photographed with
Ms Justice Maire Whelan, the former Attorney General and judge in the Court of Criminal Appeal and
Martin Hogan FIAE
- 30th April 2026 – President Sean Finlay, Special Adviser Tom Leahy and Energy Chair Eamonn O Reilly met Harry O Rahilly and Sarah Marsh of the British Embassy in Dublin to discuss energy issues effecting Ireland and the UK. They were joined by Damien Owens DG of Engineers Ireland.
- 2nd May 2026 – The Business Post published an article by Barry O’Sullivan FIAE –
Energy security crisis demands facing reality and taking action
- 28thMay 2026 – Past President Seamus McKeague will receive from ManufacturingNI (MNI) a Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award. Seamus has accepted this on behalf of Team Creagh past and present and will attend the manufacturing day and awards dinner on 28th May 2026.
Good examples of how the Academy delivers on its mission of providing thought leadership in a time of great change. Our thanks go to our active membership and the support of our Patrons as we look forward to our AGM and Fellows lunch on 14th May 2026.
Academy news bulletin April & May 2026-Activity by Academy members