setec consulting engineers recently participated in the French Business Mission to Ireland, joining a delegation of engineering and infrastructure specialists led by Gérard Wolf, Chairman of the Sustainable City Task Force at MEDEF International.
The mission brought together French expertise and a shared ambition to strengthen Franco-Irish collaboration at a significant moment in Ireland’s infrastructure development.
Ireland is currently laying the foundations for future growth. With approximately €245 billion in infrastructure investment in the pipeline, the country is making a long-term commitment to energy transition, water security and modern transport systems.
A programme defined by pace and scale
Across the two-day programme in Dublin, discussions with senior stakeholders highlighted the scale and urgency of delivery.
In energy, engagement with national operators reinforced the pace of grid transformation underway. The transition towards more flexible and renewable energy systems is progressing rapidly, requiring engineering capability that can align with both policy ambition and delivery timelines.
In water, investment in clean water infrastructure continues to be treated as a strategic priority. The scale of demand, alongside environmental and climate considerations, is driving the need for experienced delivery partners.
Transport remains a key area of focus. With a growing population and increasing pressure on urban and national networks, programmes are being developed across both city and regional contexts, requiring integrated planning and delivery.
From engagement to delivery
setec consulting engineers has already established a presence in the Irish market, having secured a position on the Irish Rail Framework.
This milestone enables the business to actively pursue and support opportunities within the rail sector as programmes develop.
Alongside this, setec consulting engineers is continuing to build relationships with local supply chain partners, supporting a collaborative approach to delivery aligned with the needs of major infrastructure programmes.
As Stephen Leo, Business Development Manager at setec consulting engineers, commented:
“This is not a market we are observing. It is one we are actively engaging with and investing in.”
The role of partnerships
Engagement with government representatives and sector leaders throughout the mission highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering infrastructure at scale.
Discussions around procurement frameworks, policy direction and international partnerships reinforced the need for aligned delivery models across public and private sectors.
The mission also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships between Irish and French organisations, supporting the development of long-term partnerships across the infrastructure sector.
A system-wide challenge
Ireland’s infrastructure programme is being developed across multiple sectors simultaneously, including energy, water and transport.
This creates a system-wide challenge, where coordination, governance and programme integration are as important as technical delivery.
setec consulting engineers continues to support complex infrastructure programmes across transport, energy, environment and water, bringing multidisciplinary expertise to large-scale delivery environments.
Continuing the conversation
Ireland’s infrastructure ambitions continue to evolve, with significant investment committed and programmes progressing across multiple sectors.
setec consulting engineers remains actively engaged with partners, clients and stakeholders as opportunities develop within the market.
If you would like to learn more about our work or discuss potential collaboration, we would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation.
Learn more: https://uk.setec.com/
