PUNCH Consulting Engineers

01/11/2026

This World Ecology Day, we're sharing a piece written by PUNCH a COWI company's Technical Director of Ecology, Emma Devereux, on the topic of Just Transition.

The concept of a ‘Just Transition’ is increasingly prominent in policy and political discussions. However, it is a multifaceted issue that demands the engagement and support of all stakeholders, including investors, developers, researchers, and, most importantly, indigenous communities.

The energy transition represents a complex and continuously changing landscape. By implementing more rigorous and well-researched Environmental Social Governance (ESG) criteria, we can promote authentic and impactful actions in climate change mitigation, all while reducing the risk of greenwashing.

To read the full piece, visit:
https://www.ecofooddev.com/esg-natural-resource-management-amp-the-just-transition/

21/10/2026

The official opening of Naul Village Park took place on Friday, October 2nd. It was opened by the Mayor of Fingal, Tony Murphy, Minister for Rural & Community Development, Dara Calleary, and Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly. It will serve as a wonderful amenity for the local community of Naul to enjoy.

PUNCH Consulting Engineers, a COWI Company, is delighted to have been part of this rewarding project that emphasises rainwater management through a network of SuDS features.

20/10/2026

With a planned investment of €275bn in national infrastructure over the next decade, Ireland will become a hub for project delivery activity. Design Consultants will be engaged for their expertise, judgement and experience. Are our public procurement methods and associated contracts too risk averse to allow these consultants maximise their positive impact in this investment for our country?

In this Irish Independent article, PUNCH Consulting Engineers, a COWI company, Managing Director Tim Murnane, asks whether Ireland’s risk aversion has become a barrier to vital infrastructure delivery. Discussing the themes of insurance, liability and referencing the Danish approach on these issues, Tim explores the effect of excessive caution and its impact on progressive design.

Past failures may be driving a counterproductive culture of fear when it comes to major projects

10/10/2026

It’s well-known that mental health issues significantly impact many professionals in our industry. October 10th provides an opportunity for us to reflect on this. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, reminds us of the value of genuinely listening to colleagues who reach out for support. Sometimes, extending a compassionate ear can be the initial step in helping someone feel less isolated on their journey.

As an organisation, we champion policies that recognise mental health care as a fundamental right, ensuring it is accessible to everyone, regardless of their role. By educating ourselves and others about the specific challenges faced by individuals in our field of work, we can better understand their effects on both individuals and project teams.

08/10/2026

Tomorrow night, PUNCH Consulting Engineers Director, Paul Casey and COWI VP Head of Engineering & Infrastructure, David Feighery will take part in the Focus Ireland ‘Shine a Light’ Sleep Out campaign in Dublin.

With over 5,600 children without a home in Ireland, Focus Ireland want to Shine a Light on Child Homelessness and highlight that this is not just a number, but a generation growing up in crisis. Homelessness doesn't just take away a home. It can take away a childhood.

As COWI’s nominated charity in Ireland for 2026, we welcome the support for Focus Ireland, a charity that works tirelessly every day to help families move from crisis to stability, providing the support they need to secure and maintain a home and rebuild their lives.

If you’d like to donate to the campaign, any amount at all, it would be much appreciated: https://joinus.focusireland.ie/fundraisers/teamcowi

By supporting our Shine a Light Sleep Out fundraiser, you'll be helping Focus Ireland continue this vital work and giving hope to those who need it most.

07/10/2026

We are delighted to be attending not one, but two Careers Fairs tomorrow! Our teams will be at University College Cork in the Devere Hall alongside COWI from 09:30-16:30, and at Trinity College Dublin in the Main Hall on Level 3 of the Trinity Sports Centre, from 11:30 to 14:30.

We are eager to meet the future of engineering, so pop by and say hi!

06/10/2026

To mark this year's World Habitat Day, we're sharing a piece written by PUNCH Consulting Engineers, a COWI company, Technical Director of Ecology, Emma Devereux, that explores the importance of the Irish Rainforest to biodiversity.



Of the global area suitable for temperate rainforest in terms of climate, 15% is thought to occur in Europe, and 40% of this European bioclimatic space occurs in Ireland and Britain. This means Ireland and Britain potentially retain 6% of the suitable area for temperate rainforest globally.



Regional deforestation means that presently less than 2% of Ireland is under native forest cover. Remnant temperate rainforests are also frequently degraded by alteration into commercial timber plantations, with recovery prevented by human activity and grazing livestock.



Habitats defined by climate are logically inherently at risk from climate change, so predicting and modelling future climate change scenarios is pivotal to protecting these important habitats.



Read more below...

05/10/2026

Thrilled to see that Greenvolt Next has been appointed by Voltclub to construct the new Barryscourt 12MW Solar Farm in Co. Cork.

This new solar farm will deliver almost 20,000 solar panels across the site, further expanding Ireland’s renewable generation capacity. PUNCH Consulting Engineers, a COWI company, is proud to provide Owner’s Engineer services to this project alongside the wider team, including Jones Engineering, Beauchamps LLP, Lockton, and MKO.

Read more about the development here: https://www.independent.ie/county/cork/construction-of-12mw-cork-solar-farm-gets-underway-at-hands-of-waterford-based-greenvolt-next/a/161585585.html

02/10/2026

We are delighted to announce that An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for the Kingston Park and Miller's Lane Public Realm Project. This represents a significant milestone for the Galway City Council scheme its client, the design team and the community it will serve.

The project will create two distinctive but connected parks, with new sports pitches and play facilities, a community building, outdoor exercise and gathering spaces, improved walking and cycling connections, plus extensive landscape and biodiversity enhancements.

PUNCH Consulting Engineers has been central to progressing the engineering elements of the scheme. A big well done to everyone in our team who has contributed. Your work has helped bring a complex, community-focused development a step closer to delivery.

This approval reflects the quality and collaboration shown across all disciplines.

We look forward to continuing our input as the project moves into its next stages.



COWI

30/09/2026

A major milestone has been reached on the Hartley Bridge replacement project, Co. Leitrim, with the successful installation of the centre span beams. is proud to have delivered the Planning and Detailed Design stage services on the project and to continue supporting the project through Construction Stage.

The successful installation of the centre span beams represents a significant milestone in the project, reflecting the collaborative efforts of the entire project team, with Jons Civil Engineering delivering the bridge replacement works as main contractor. It's always rewarding to see a design take shape in the field, particularly on projects that will provide long-term benefits for local communities and road users.

Well done to everyone involved in achieving this key milestone.