Brendan McDonagh
Galway
Summary
Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland, possessing fourteen years of onsite experience in managing network repairs and rehabilitation. Demonstrates expert knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, supported by professional qualifications in Project Management and Road Reinstatement. Committed to leveraging extensive expertise to drive efficient infrastructure solutions and contribute to sustainable water management practices.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Lead Executive Engineer (Clifden & Ballinasloe Flood Relief Schemes)
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
Galway
2019.09 - 2026.07
- I am lead engineer and project sponsor ensuring project success by removing roadblocks, securing funding and acting as champion of value engineering while ensuring all solutions align with OPWs national strategic plans.
- I develop project briefs to ensure environmental assessments are carried out to meet regulatory requirements.
- I collaborate with Uisce Eireann Asset planning, IFI and NMS on interaction between their assets and proposed flood relief options.
- I adhere to and promote internal information technology protocols to protect my organisation from security breaches.
- I represent GCC at national local authority flood forum meetings to share lived experiences and compare challenges in projects along with solutions that have worked.
- I manage my CAPEX budget of €0.7m for schemes including Stage 1 of Clifden FRS, Kinvara Floodgate Scheme and Kilcrow River Feasibility Study.
- I used knowledge on nature-based solutions from CPD courses to deliver a rainwater management plan for Clifden.
Lead Assistant Engineer Water Services Network Management in Connemara
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
Galway
2017.12 - 2019.09
- I led a network operations team of ten staff to solve complex issues, in an analytical and timely manner. I fed and local information to Uisce Eireann including monthly reports from my leak action plan to assist in developing their asset policies, strategies and plans for future investment in Galway’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
- I managed seasonal transportation of safe drinking water to Inis Oirr including cost management, storage protocols, pumping arrangements and boil water notice incidents.
- I fed local data into “Drinking Water Safety Plans” and used a risk assessment approach from “catchment to tap” to assess risks of cryptosporidium at each source.
- I monitored the county wide SCADA which gave Uisce Eireann and EPA confidence that I as lead engineer had quality and compliance as my top priority.
- I completed Wastewater Incident Response Plans for my teams to follow to mitigate damage from wastewater incidents.
- I reviewed our safety practices to ensure compliance and proposed ways to improve my team’s performance.
- I performed technical assessments to identify leakage rates and engaged with asset planning to support decision-making processes that ensured investment in below ground infrastructure which was essential to unlocking new housing schemes, improved capacity and strengthening resilience.
- I single handedly drafted activity risk assessments for network flushing to improve water network quality including reservoir cleaning, which reduced chlorine demand and boil water notices from chlorination byproducts (THM's) which pose health risk due to being carcinogenic.
- I represented my network team at quarterly Uisce Eireann’s county Galway “Drinking Water Compliance” meetings that focused on compliance issues including pesticide reduction, cryptosporidium monitoring rationale and correct notification of incidents.
Resident Engineer (Portumna & Banagher Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Design Build contracts)
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers, 1 Galway Business Park, Dangan, Galway.
Galway
2016.06 - 2017.12
- I led a multidisciplinary team to improve plant performance with new MEICA infrastructure, lamella plates, bulk tanks, PLC and SCADA.
- I acted as employers’ representatives’ eyes and ears on site while managing and promoting a “work safe-home safe” environment.
- I interpreted design proposals and gave feedback to ensure that designs aligned with operational plans.
- I managed the contractual claim process in favour of the client by using my exemplary records and contract management skills.
- I used standard Uisce Eireann mathematical models to confirm correct dosing of water treatment chemicals.
- I delivered on my health and safety commitments, resulting in 95% compliance rate throughout my project.
- I managed plant shutdown communications to minimise disruption to residents and water dependent factories.
Lead Assistant Engineer, Water Services Network Management in North County Galway
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
Galway
2013.11 - 2016.06
- I led six technicians by empowering them to deliver high quality results.
- I personally delivered in-house refresher training on filter operations and chlorine disinfection procedure's.
- I prepared successful “Asset Needs Brief” proposals relating to upgrade of Uisce Eireann health and safety assets.
- I managed leakage reduction programmes by using direct labour and contractors to reduce leakage by 10%.
- I rolled out external “Network Management- Leakage Control” training for my staff to improve competencies.
- I delivered Kilkerrin WTP upgrade including a membrane filtration and UV system to reduce cryptosporidium risk.
- I led my team’s successful application for “OHSAS18001 Safety Management System”.
- I managed the aging Ballygar Wastewater Treatment plant to best achieve compliance with the EPA discharge license.
- I delivered national training as a member of the “Local Authority Services National Training Group” of inspectors who examined water plant operators in onsite practical operations exams.
Executive Technician, Water Services Network Management (North Galway)
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill Galway.
Galway
2008.08 - 2013.11
- I managed eight caretakers in daily operations in the “Networks Management Team” to carry out their operations in a safe, cost-efficient manner and in line with project programmes.
- I lead a culture of good health and safety practices by presenting toolbox talks and carrying out site inspections.
- I became an expert on water treatment processes including laboratory jar testing, coagulation and filtration, HMI operation, UV and network chlorine disinfection and leakage repairs onsite.
- I delivered staff training on treatment processes which focused on knowledge retention
- I dealt with customer complaints in a considerate manner including good communication and follow up site visits.
Environmental Technician
Galway City Council, City Hall, College Rd, Galway.
Galway
2006.07 - 2008.08
- I led the new “Litter Management Unit” to achieve a cleaner city which got great recognition from elected members.
- I collaborated with colleagues in water networks to provide a cross-directorate investigation into water pollution incidents while I compiled reports for legal proceedings.
- I led a smokeless coal enforcement team resulting in better air quality by using education and engagement.
- I led the “Blue Flag” application process including adherence to water quality and environmental management.
Site Technician 1 (Carna /Kilkieran RWSS Construction Stage) 40kms of new water network.
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
Galway
2005.07 - 2006.07
- I reported to the Senior Resident Engineer on project progress, quality control and any technical issues onsite and I carried out site safety inspections to confirm adherence to the statutory health and safety legislation.
- I supervised installation of 40kms of new watermain network including permanent road reinstatement and I prepared snag lists of defects or omissions of work.
- I defended contractual claims with my excellent site diary, photographs and knowledge of contract documents
- I managed communications to local stakeholders on process shutdowns and road closures.
Environmental Technician
Galway City Council, College Rd, Galway
Galway
2003.02 - 2005.07
- I led a team of operatives which investigated environmental issues lodged by the public and elected representatives.
- I applied for planning permission using the “Part 8” process “for new bottle and clothes bank facilities.
- I successfully brought forward a conviction under the Water Pollution Act 1977 relating to a major pollution incident.
Site Technician 1 (Drogheda By-Pass Construction Stage)
North Consult/Meath County Council
2002.02 - 2003.02
- I ensured compliance with scope of works including diversion of existing watermain networks.
- I liaised with the contractor, client and local stakeholders, to ensure minimum disruption to the local community.
- I managed my site diary and records including photographs of activities to be available to defend contractual claims.
- I supervised quality control checks for installation of road foundation and final wearing course.
Site Technician 1 (Group Water Schemes) Watermain Network Construction Stage
Meath County Council, County Hall, Navan, Co. Meath
Navan, Co. Meath
2000.10 - 2002.02
- I liaised with appointed Consulting Engineer firm during design stage for watermain networks.
- I supervised the contractor’s work to ensure adherence to programme and health and safety policies.
- I supervised laying of 8kms of new water network for 100no. properties including backfilling and pipeline testing.
- I engaged with landowners to ensure satisfaction with temporary reinstatement and local road closures.
Section Engineer (Dublin Airport) Watermain Enhancement Contract
Clare Civil Engineering Ltd, Clarecastle, Co. Clare.
Clarecastle, Co. Clare
2000.05 - 2000.10
- I led a team to install 2kms of water distribution network including sluice valves and fire hydrants while monitoring safe procedures onsite.
- I navigated security and logistical challenges of an international airport to get plant, labour and materials to site.
- I managed the claims register and successfully claimed payments for additional rock breaking.
Site Engineer (Swords Main Street Public Realm Works)
Coffey Construction Ltd, Moanbaun, Athenry, Co. Galway
Athenry, Co. Galway
1998.09 - 1999.09
- I led a team to reinstate the full pavement layers while ensuring safety of the public on a live site.
- I set out new water and wastewater networks and supervised pressure testing of new sewer networks.
- I managed the contractual claims and claimed additional payments due to weather events which closed the site.
- I managed staff health and safety onsite including toolbox talks, production of risk assessments and method statements and roll out of personal protective equipment.
Education
Cert - Environmental Planning & Legislation
South East Technological University
Carlow 2025.10 - 2026.05
Cert - Leadership for Performance & Change
Southeast Technological University
Carlow 2022.02 - 2022.04
Post Grad Cert - Road Maintenance Engineering
Institute of Technology Sligo
Sligo 2015.09 - 2016.05
Post Graduate Diploma - Project Management
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2013.09 - 2014.05
BSc (Hons) - Civil Engineering
London Southbank University
London 2007.09 - 2009.05
National Diploma - Civil Engineering
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Dundalk 1999.09 - 2000.05
National Certificate - Civil Engineering
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
Galway 1996.09 - 1998.05
Skills
- Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland
- Fourteen years onsite experience of managing water network repairs and replacement
- Expert knowledge of water and waste water treatment processes
- Unmatched local knowledge of water infrastructure in Connacht region
- Professional qualifications in Project Management and Road Reinstatement
- Large network of contacts within the water industry both in Ireland and UK
Accomplishments
Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland.
Affiliations
- I competed at three World Handball Championship in the USA, Spain and Ireland.
- I enjoy golf and pitch n' putt.
- I volunteered in Cambodia building houses involving local construction techniques.
- I voluntarily project managed a fund of €70,000 for my GAA Handball club for insulation and ventilation upgrades.
- I listen to the “Uisce Matters” podcast and review the “Pipeline” newsletter to stay up to stay on industry activities.
References
References available upon request.
Further Information:
- I listen to the “Uisce Matters” podcast and review the “Pipeline” newsletter to stay up to stay on national water industry activities.
Timeline
Cert - Environmental Planning & Legislation
South East Technological University
2025.10 - 2026.05
Cert - Leadership for Performance & Change
Southeast Technological University
2022.02 - 2022.04
Lead Executive Engineer (Clifden & Ballinasloe Flood Relief Schemes)
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
2019.09 - 2026.07
Lead Assistant Engineer Water Services Network Management in Connemara
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
2017.12 - 2019.09
Resident Engineer (Portumna & Banagher Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Design Build contracts)
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers, 1 Galway Business Park, Dangan, Galway.
2016.06 - 2017.12
Post Grad Cert - Road Maintenance Engineering
Institute of Technology Sligo
2015.09 - 2016.05
Lead Assistant Engineer, Water Services Network Management in North County Galway
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
2013.11 - 2016.06
Post Graduate Diploma - Project Management
Trinity College Dublin
2013.09 - 2014.05
Executive Technician, Water Services Network Management (North Galway)
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill Galway.
2008.08 - 2013.11
BSc (Hons) - Civil Engineering
London Southbank University
2007.09 - 2009.05
Environmental Technician
Galway City Council, City Hall, College Rd, Galway.
2006.07 - 2008.08
Site Technician 1 (Carna /Kilkieran RWSS Construction Stage) 40kms of new water network.
Galway County Council, County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway
2005.07 - 2006.07
Environmental Technician
Galway City Council, College Rd, Galway
2003.02 - 2005.07
Site Technician 1 (Drogheda By-Pass Construction Stage)
North Consult/Meath County Council
2002.02 - 2003.02
Site Technician 1 (Group Water Schemes) Watermain Network Construction Stage
Meath County Council, County Hall, Navan, Co. Meath
2000.10 - 2002.02
Section Engineer (Dublin Airport) Watermain Enhancement Contract
Clare Civil Engineering Ltd, Clarecastle, Co. Clare.
2000.05 - 2000.10
National Diploma - Civil Engineering
Dundalk Institute of Technology
1999.09 - 2000.05
Site Engineer (Swords Main Street Public Realm Works)
Coffey Construction Ltd, Moanbaun, Athenry, Co. Galway
1998.09 - 1999.09
National Certificate - Civil Engineering
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
1996.09 - 1998.05