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The Geothermal Association of Ireland (GAI) was formed in January 1998 to Promote the Development of Geothermal Resources in Ireland. The GAI is a member of the European Geothermal Energy Council and of the International Geothermal Association. The GAI promotes the development of geothermal energy in Ireland in:
Brian Connor is Chairman of the Geothermal Association of Ireland (GAI). Brian is a Director of Brian P.Connor and Associates ltd who are Hydrogeological, Geological and Environmental Consultants in Tramore, Co. Waterford. Brian has over 40 years experience in Applied Geology and Hydrogeology and has been involved in the development of Geothermal Energy since the 1980's. His projects have varied from looking at the utilisation of geothermal energy extracted from existing water supply sources to evaluating the potential use of Energy Piles in numerous European Countries, and involvement in major, EU funded, European Geothermal Projects.
John Burgess is the Vice-Chairman for GAI. John currently works in the Cork office of Arup Consulting Engineers providing a leading role in delivering sustainable solutions for the built environment. With over twenty years experience in the engineering design, testing and operation of building services systems, John has implemented many low energy / renewable energy projects on projects such as The Department of Architecture in the University of New South Wales, Sydney and the Glucksman Art Gallery in University College, Cork . John graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1984 with a B.A honors degree in Mechanical Engineering, subsequently obtaining a Masters in Building Services from Sydney University, Australia.
Gareth Ll. Jones (EurGeol Gareth Ll. Jones BSc, MSc, PGeo) is the Secretary of GAI. He qualified with an Honours BSc in Geology from Queens University Belfast and was awarded his MSc by Trinity College Dublin. His geological consultancy Conodate deals with geothermal energy, karst, industrial minerals and biostratigraphy. Gareth is a Geothermal Consultant with the CSA Group and Convener of the Expert Panel on Geothermal Energy of the EFG. He was President of the EFG from 1999-2002 and of the IGI from 2005-2007. Gareth was Project Manager of the GT Skills geothermal training programme from 2005-2007.
Róisín Goodman (EurGeol, PGeo) is the Editor for GAI and is involved with the publication of the GAI newsletter. Róisín is an Associate Partner, with the CSA / SLR Ltd. Róisín is the Coordinator for Geothermal Legislation and Regulations for the European Geothermal Energy Council and is involved with the GTR-H Project. Róisín has specialised in the Renewable Energies of Geothermal, wind, hydro & bio-energies and also in environmental geology. Róisín has worked in the field of precious and metallic mineral exploration, resource evaluation, in Ireland, Europe, Africa and Greenland.
Alistair Allen is the GAI’s International Liaison Officer. A founding member of the GAI and a past president and vice president, Alistair is a Senior Lecturer in the Geology Department of UCC, and holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Geology. Alistair is currently supervising a number of postgraduate research projects in Geothermal Energy. Alistair is a member of the Sustainable Energy Research Network of UCC and Cork Geothermal Forum, and is leader of the Geothermal Energy Research Group in UCC. He is currently involved with Cork City Council in the assessment of geothermal resources for the Cork Docklands Redevelopment Project.
Padraig Hanly (BSc) is the Development Officer of the GAI and is the Commercial Director of Geothermal Energy Ltd. With extensive construction industry experience with Liffey Developments, he is now project manager for Ireland’s first deep geothermal exploration programme that research into drilling, exploration and resource mapping for deep geothermal resources in Ireland while also developing the economic feasibility and market research for the harnessing of deep geothermal resources in Ireland and in the UK.
Brecan Mooney is the Treasurer for GAI. Currently Brecan is the the Treasurer of GAI and has been an officer of GAI since 2004. A Senior Environmental Consultant with WYG Environmental and Planning (Ireland) limited, projects he worked on include hydrogeology site assessments, contaminated site characterisation and remediation of pharmaceutical plant spills and old landfills. Brecan has also undertaken preliminary geothermal feasibility assessments for projects in Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Brecan qualified with a Bachelor of Arts (Moderatorship), in Geology from Trinity College Dublin in 2000 and holds a Higher Diploma in Information Technology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
Laura Steerman is the Events Coordinator for GAI. Qualified as an Attorney in the State of New York, Laura currently works in the Energy Department of Philip Lee Solicitors in Dublin, with two years experience in assisting with the provision of legal advice to renewable energy projects and on construction law matters. Laura graduated from University College Dublin in 2000 with a B.A honors degree in Business and Legal Studies, subsequently obtaining a Masters in Law. Laura is also currently involved with the GTR-H project, assisting with reviewing the regulatory barriers to the development of geothermal in Ireland.
The GAI Committee:
Left to right: Brecan Mooney, Marie Keane, John Burgess, Brian Connor, Laura Steerman, Gareth Ll. Jones, Alistair Allen
Constitution (326.5 KB)