Nearly 40% of engineers see Irish recovery as early as 2011

Nearly 40% of engineers think the Irish economy will recover by 2011, according to research carried out by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of Engineers Ireland. If the Government tackles infrastructural challenges across areas such as water, roads, broadband and the national grid, it could well bring Ireland’s recession to an end faster and get growth going sooner, according to John Power, Director General of Engineers Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of Engineers Week 2010 by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD, Mr Power said while it was clear the Government was stretched financially, Ireland’s infrastructure had to be improved to fully prosper when the globally economy improved. “It is encouraging to see such positive sentiment in the engineering industry regarding Ireland’s future.  The Ipsos MRBI findings also indicate that nearly 50% of engineering firms surveyed felt they could keep staff levels at the same level in 2010 – again very positive when compared to the job losses in other sectors.  But there is still an acute infrastructure deficit in Ireland.  I can not over-emphasise the fact that it is vital that we invest heavily in infrastructure to fully prosper from the global economic upturn.  As well as addressing this infrastructure deficit, the investment will also provide employment.  If this does not happen, critical skills and expertise will be lost with more jobs losses.   We fully understand the financial constraints within which the Taoiseach and Government must operate.  But it’s about directing funds to where maximum return is provided for Ireland such as across water, roads, broadband and the national grid.”

Mr Power also said Ireland has a great opportunity to differentiate itself from other countries by totally committing to a framework of quality and standards. “The total failure in the financial and banking sectors over the last two years has in effect given us a blank canvass and platform to utterly re-shape our economic model in this respect.  Engineering has a critical role to play here in terms of how it behaves as an industry and is already taking a lead with regard to ensuring the highest standards are adhered to.  This is happening through our drive to introduce regulation of the profession to ensure the highest quality of engineering standards as well as across our Continuing Professional Development schemes which ensure that qualified engineers keep pace with developments in their chosen field.  However, we have over 200 companies who would love to benefit from CPD but we can’t reach them because of a lack of funds.”   

Mr Power added that there are ongoing problems concerning how maths and the physical sciences are administered in the education system which are undermining the engineering industry.  “Engineers Ireland has consistently highlighted the issues in this area and how they are linked to the shortage of engineers. Engineers Ireland recognises the potential of the Government’s Smart Economy proposals and the contribution, particularly with regards to innovation, that engineers need to make.  Engineering underpins commercial innovation.  But if we do not have an education system that encourages more students to take numeric subjects, such as maths and the physical sciences, it will be very difficult to make this transformation a reality.”

The teaching of maths is one of the key educational issues that will be highlighted during Engineers Week 2010 which runs from Monday, February 8 until Saturday, February 13.  The week features nearly 150 activities and events around Ireland promoting the benefits of a career in the area of engineering.  To find out more information about events taking place near you, log onto www.engineersweek.ie.

A major report in 2009 by DKM found that engineers directly contribute €5.5 billion to the Irish economy and are particularly prominent in high-tech sectors that account for almost 80% of merchandise exports.