Irish offshore wind consultancy Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG) has revealed plans to recruit up to 500 professionals over the next five years.
The new staff will support the establishment of an engineering hub focused on analysis and innovation to serve growing demand for its services, both domestically and internationally.
GDG is headquartered in Dublin, with offices in Cork and Belfast, from where the company services offshore wind projects worldwide.
Founded in 2011 by Paul Doherty, a veteran of the Irish offshore wind sector, the company was acquired by UK-based Venterra Group in 2021.
The new roles will focus on engineering analysis, numerical modelling, and offshore design, and will create opportunities across various grades, from graduates to senior level.
Welcoming the news, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney said: “I am delighted to hear that Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), plans to recruit 500 professionals over the next five years as part the establishment of an engineering hub for analysis and innovation.
“These new roles are hugely welcome and create numerous exciting opportunities for skilled engineers of all levels. In addition to this welcome news, this project supports the Government’s plans in aiming to have Ireland carbon neutral by 2050.
“We are committed to increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources from 30% to up to 80% by 2030. Wind energy provides an emissions free, clean and renewable energy source and initiatives like this that create employment and advancing our decarbonisation goals is fully supported. Congratulations to all involved in this exciting and innovative project.”
Doherty added: “Today’s announcement further builds on GDG’s successful track record of assembling an industry and world-leading team of experts to meet the growing demand for offshore wind energy.
“Our ambitions extend beyond Europe to the US and Asian markets as we strive to become the global leader in the offshore wind industry.”
He also said the offshore wind sector offers Ireland “substantial economic and employment benefits” and contributes significantly to addressing climate change.