National Retrofitting Conference 2025

Dr Esmond Birnie is Senior Economist at Ulster University. He has over thirty years of experience in terms of providing economic analysis and also in terms of advising government and working in government. Prior to joining Ulster University, he was Chief Economist in PwC for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Before that, he had been a Ministerial Special Adviser and a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Esmond is a regular commentator in the media on the Northern Ireland economy and public policy including a regular column in the Belfast Telegraph.

John Campbell is Economics and Business Editor for BBC Northern Ireland, a position he has held since September 2013. Prior to that he was a senior BBC producer working across TV, radio and online with special responsibility for business coverage. He began his career on the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo

Ciaran Byrne is Director of National Retrofit and a member of the Executive Leadership Team in SEAI. Prior to the role he was CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, and also held a number of other senior roles in the public private and sectors. Ciaran is a qualified management accountant, a Chartered Director, and was admitted into the Institute of Directors in 2017, and he has recently completed a Master’s degree in business studies. Ciaran has degree and Ph.D. in science from Trinity College and has authored several peer reviewed scientific publications.

Ciara Ahern is a chartered building services engineer serving as a senior lecturer in Technological University Dublin. Alongside an academic career, Dr. Ahern has 12 years industrial experience practicing as a consultant design engineer on residential commercial building projects. Ciara has been using the Irish housing stock for case study analysis for over 10 years and is expert in thermo-physical characteristics of the Irish housing stock, having tested the viability of integrating heat pumps into the thermally refurbished stock in 2010. Dr. Ahern is currently researching robust real-time energy stock modelling using AI and Machine Learning applied to EPC databases.

John Curtis is head of the Economics Research Division, ESRI. He has led a research programme on energy efficiency and residential retrofits over the past decade, examining issues related to retrofit grant uptake and depth, value for money, BERs and energy use, and retrofits in context of tenure change. Recent work focuses on behavioural barriers and the absence of the typical or average household.

Stuart Hobbs is Director of Energy Services at SSE Airtricity. He joined SSE in 2009 with over 25 years’ experience in the energy industry in various senior management roles, having previously worked for ESB Networks for 10 years. Stuart graduated with a Degree in Human Resource Management and subsequently graduated with an MSc in Management and Leadership from Smurfit Business School. He is responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of energy solutions for SSE Airtricity that provide clients, domestic and commercial, with tools to improve their energy efficiency. He manages a range of businesses and partnerships across Ireland.

Barry Quinlan is the Assistant Secretary leading on Built Environment; Retrofit and Heat. Barry joined the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications in December 2021, as part of the re-organisation of energy functions in the Department, from the Department from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, where he had led the Housing and Local Government Divisions. Prior to that Barry worked in the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Justice. Working with key delivery partners and stakeholders, and within EU and global frameworks, key priority areas include: the National Retrofit Programme; and Renewable Heat Policy.

As Director of Housing with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council since 2015, Catherine has an overarching leadership role in all aspects of social and affordable housing delivery, the provision of housing support services and the management of over 5,000 properties. She holds a BA degree in Business and Public Management (IPA) and an MSc in Business (leadership & management practice) UCD Smurfit. Catherine’s innovative and proactive approach to retrofitting has been hugely successful in recent years.

Lisa Ryan is a professor in energy economics in UCD School of Economics and the Energy Institute. Her research is in clean energy technology adoption, energy markets, and climate change economics and related policy. She contributes to government working groups on energy and climate action was previously also a Board Member of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Previously, she was the senior energy economist in the Energy Efficiency Unit at the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris. She has a PhD in environmental economics and Masters degrees in engineering and economics.

Stuart Hobbs is Director of Energy Services at SSE Airtricity. He joined SSE in 2009 with over 20 years’ experience in the energy industry in various senior management roles, having previously worked for ESB Networks for 10 years. Stuart graduated with a Degree in Human Resource Management and subsequently graduated with an MSc in Management and Leadership from Smurfit Business School. He is responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of energy solutions for SSE Airtricity that provide clients, domestic and commercial, with tools to improve their energy efficiency. He manages a range of businesses and partnerships across Ireland.

Aidan Gough is currently the Designated Officer and Director of Strategy and Policy. In his role as Designated Officer Aidan acts as Accounting Officer for the Body with full responsibility. As Strategy and Policy Director, Aidan advises on collaborative strategy, policy and initiatives to help InterTradeIreland in boosting North/South economic co-operation to the mutual benefit of both economies on the island. Aidan leads InterTradeIreland’s policy and research team to identify areas where joint Government intervention can help to create an environment where it is easier to do business and increase the competitiveness of individual businesses and the island in the global economy. Aidan is a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast with an MBA and MSc in Economics. Prior to joining InterTradeIreland in 2000, Aidan was Director of the Northern Ireland Economic Council.

Dr Katy Hayward is Professor of Political Sociology in Queen’s University Belfast. She holds a Senior Fellowship in the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, where she leads a major project on ‘The future and status of Northern Ireland’. The author of over 300 publications, she is an internationally-recognised expert on Brexit and its implications for the island of Ireland.

Deirdre Heenan is Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University and a member of the Institute for Research in Social Sciences. Her research interests include the integration of health and social care, devolution and mental health. She has published widely on politics and healthcare and is a Senior Research Associate with the Nuffield Trust and a Senior Research Fellow at Pivotal, Northern Ireland’s public policy forum. She is part of the newly established ARINS Project (Analysis and Research on Ireland, North and South) seeking to establish an authoritative, independent and non-partisan reference point for those looking for research and analysis about future constitutional, institutional and policy options for the island of Ireland. She has been appointed to serve on a number of boards including the British Irish Association and the 30% Club. Prof Heenan is a former PVC and Provost and Ulster University and served on the Irish Council of State from 2012 to 2019.

Colin Jess is the Director of Social Enterprise NI, the representative body for the sector. Prior to this he worked in local banking in Belfast for over 30 years. Colin leads on building awareness of the sector across private, public, and educational sectors. Colin is heavily involved in lobbying political parties for their support and has built many relationships with government departments. He is a Council Member of NI Chamber of Commerce.

Seamus Leheny is the Policy Manager for Logistics UK that represents the interests of over 17,000 members across the UK involved in multi-modal movement of goods. The Logistics industry stands to be significantly affected by Brexit hence Seamus’s recent political engagement including three meetings with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May, several Cabinet Ministers and dozens of MPs. Previous to working at the FTA, Seamus was employed in commercial roles for several different European and deep-sea shipping lines at Belfast Port.

Paul MacFlynn is a Co-director at the Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) in Belfast. His research interests include labour market transitions, regional economic development and productivity. Since taking up his position in the NERI, Paul has carried out work examining the implications of automation technologies for the future of the workforce, the persistence of low skilled employment in Northern Ireland, and the economic impact of Brexit.

Brian O'Callaghan is a Lead Researcher and Programme Manager at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, the University of Oxford. He is also a Consultant for the Robertson Foundation and on a leave of absence from the Boston Consulting Group. Brian is an Australian Rhodes Scholar. Brian's research focuses on mechanisms for financing renewable energy and other net-zero industry. He holds additional research interests in the hydrogen economy, rural electrification, and fiscal policy in times of economic downturn.

Steve Orr is the Chief Executive of Catalyst Inc. He is responsible for developing the support ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland, to create and scale innovation companies. Steve spent ten years prior to this in California where he co-founded Kineticom Inc, a San Diego, California-based technical talent firm in 2000. The firm ranked #33 on the Inc 500 list of the fastest-growing, privately-held US companies in 2006. Steve graduated from the University of Northumbria with a degree in Business Information Technology.

Mairi Spowage is the Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute. Her areas of expertise include economic policy, economic statistics, national accounting, and economic and fiscal forecasting. Mairi leads on the Institute's work with various partners, including those in business, the public and third sector. Previously, Mairi was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and the Head of National Accounts at the Scottish Government, and has over a decade of experience working in different areas of analysis.

Marie Ward is the Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, a position she took up in October 2019. Marie has been a director in the Council since April 2015 and has worked at a senior level in local government for over eight years. During that time, Marie was responsible for Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism in Newry, Mourne and Down; Marie led on the development of the Council’s shared services site in Downpatrick and is currently leading on the delivery of a major regeneration scheme for Newry City.

Marion is Director of Advocacy and Policy at the IGBC, and responsible for a number of policy and advocacy campaigns, including #BuildingLife. As part of this role, she develops IGBC’s policy positions and leads on the engagement process on consultations and draft legislation. Marion represents IGBC on World Green Building Council – Europe policy task force and Renovate Europe Committee. Marion’s working background is in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and project management. She previously managed a number of projects in the area of energy renovation, including Build Upon and the development of guidance documents to retrofit traditionally built buildings. Before joining the IGBC, Marion worked in Dublin Chamber, Eurochambres and the European Parliament. Marion holds a MA in European Affairs from Sciences-Po (France) and an MSc in environmental sustainability from University College Dublin.

Louise Warde Hunter has recently taken up the role as Principal and CEO at Belfast Metropolitan College. She was previously Deputy Secretary, Housing and Urban Regeneration at the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland. Prior to this Louise led the Central Services and Rural Affairs Group within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. She previously worked as Deputy Secretary Central Policy Group in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Before that Louise was Head of Policing Policy and Strategy Division at the Department of Justice.

Marie leads the University of Galway’s Exposure Science research team, within the School of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on characterizing the magnitude of human exposure and exposure pathways for a range of pollutants across multiple microenvironments. Marie and her group are currently working on SEAI funded research which will explore the impact of energy retrofit on indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation in domestic dwellings. This research will also complete a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and health economic evaluation of the energy retrofit of Irish domestic dwellings.

JP Johnson is a Senior Energy Consultant at Symphony Energy, a leading retrofit company bringing next-generation climate tech to the built environment.

Berth Sheehy, the CEO & Founder of Energywise Ireland, brings a wealth of expertise in electrical and building automation. Leading a dynamic team, Berth is dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. Since establishing Energywise Ireland in 2009, the company has grown to over a hundred professionals, becoming a leading designer and installer of renewable energy solutions in Ireland. Berth's focus encompasses heat pumps, solar PV, EV chargers, and advanced energy management and automation solutions, all geared toward emission reduction and improved comfort.

Emma joined the sector three years ago after graduating from the University of Leeds, and currently works for Connect Housing. She is passionate about driving positive change through partnerships with a particular focus on justice and inclusion, resulting in being shortlisted for a Women in Housing Award and speaking at housing events nationally. Emma is also vice-chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing Futures Board, representing young professionals across the UK and ROI.

Clive Ahern is the Senior Executive Officer in Dublin City Council's Housing Maintenance Division. Prior to this, he had a number of different roles in the private sector, State agencies and three of the four Dublin Local Authorities. Clive graduated with a degree in Economics & Business from Trinity College Dublin and has a Master's degree in Local Government Management from the IPA / UCD. Clive re-joined Dublin City Council in 2017 and is currently responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of over 27,000 Council properties, including the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme.

Jeanette is responsible for coordinating industry policy across a spectrum of economic, investment and structural areas. She is also responsible for carrying out and commissioning new research, expanding the CIF’s information databases, preparation of strategy papers and advocating on various industry matters to support CIF’s dialogue with key policy stakeholders. Having previously working in the European Commission and Institute of Public Administration, Jeanette joined the CIF in 2007. Jeanette holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Rural Planning, and a Master’s degree in Economic Science.

Sinéad is an RIAI Registered Architect and Grade III Conservation Architect with almost 30 years of experience working in the Construction Industry. She is currently second Vice President of the RIAI and is the Irish representative on the Architects Council of Europe: Women in Architecture Taskforce. Within the IGBC, Sinéad manages the ENACT project to enable national action in commercial retrofit for SMEs and the Building Renovation Passport pilot project. She previously led the BUSI2030 project preparing a National Roadmap for Upskilling 2030 among many other IGBC initiatives.

Georgina Molloy is programme manager for energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) implementation with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). She is also the central team manager of one of the eight teams that lead EPBD concerted action at EU level. She is a chartered engineer with over 20 years' experience in design consultancy, contracting and in the public sector.

Ciara Dooley is a Senior Associate on the Infrastructure, Construction and Utilities team in Arthur Cox. Ciara has experience in advising clients on a broad range of both contentious and non-contentious construction and procurement related matters in both the public and private sectors and has been involved in advising on large state sector contracts delivered by way of Public Private Partnerships. She has a wide range of experience in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, construction contracts and tender documents, and providing general commercial law advices to clients across the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. She is involved in advising on legal aspects of energy efficiency matters, green construction and energy upgrade projects.

Brian Carroll is the Assistant Secretary General leading on Energy: Built Environment (Retrofit and Heat Policy), at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. His current responsibilities include implementation of the National Retrofit Plan; commercial and public sector energy efficiency; the development of renewable heat policy, including the rollout of district heating; implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy; and development of the Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme. He also has a lead role in relation to the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme; the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; and the transposition of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives. Brian joined the Department in 2008 and has worked previously as Assistant Secretary General for Environment and Climate Action, and for Natural Resources; and as Head of Decarbonisation, and Head of Finance, Strategy and Corporate Affairs. He has wide experience across the public service, having also worked in the Departments of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Justice.

Eamonn Brownlee brings over 20 years of experience in the heating industry to his role at SSE Airtricity, which he joined in 2021. As the manager of the Generation Green Home Upgrade business, he oversees both the BEH and One Stop Shop programmes, focusing on assisting homeowners in reducing their carbon footprint while ensuring a high-quality customer experience. Eamonn holds technical qualifications in plumbing and heating, a degree in business and project management, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Energy Management. His leadership and strategic insight are complemented by a practical approach to sustainable solutions, underscoring his commitment to positively impacting both customers and the environment

Janez Kren is a Research Officer in Microeconometrics and Statistics at the Economic and Social Research Institute. His work primarily focuses on housing, international trade, and the digital economy. He holds an MSc and a PhD in Economics from KU Leuven. Prior to joining the ESRI, he worked as a researcher and teaching assistant at KU Leuven, and as a short-term consultant for the World Bank.

Dr Carlos Ochoa is a Senior Researcher at Tyndall National Institute, developing strategies for energy efficiency, thermal comfort and resilience in new and existing buildings. He coordinates scientific projects funded by the European Commission on digital processes for energy renovations to accelerate and make affordable the energy transition, as well as the development of technologies for retrofit of heritage buildings.

Dr Stephen Hall is a political economist of energy futures at the University of York. Steve is working across the North of England to use Human Centred Design for home energy policy. As the UK devolves much of its retrofit spending to new regional authorities, there is a new opportunity to design solutions for People and Place. With the Relational Energy Group, Steve uses methods rooted in empathy and a relational understanding of human behavior to design retrofit policy which escapes the norm of grants/finance/skills and instead starts with real emotions concerning homes, family finances, trust and life stages.

Seamus is the Discipline Lead for TU Dublin’s Quantity Surveying programmes at the City Campus in Bolton Street. He is a quantity surveyor and built environment professional that is highly skilled in construction management, cost estimation, project cost control and sustainable building practices. Prior to joining TU Dublin, Seamus spent 16 years working in management roles within the Irish Construction Industry. He holds a BSc in Construction Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management, a MSc in Quantity Surveying and is currently undertaking an MSc in Education and a PhD by published works. Seamus’ research interests include the optimisation of dwelling performance, post-retrofit evaluation, and indoor environment quality.

Susan is National Sustainability Manager at Clúid Housing. Susan joined Clúid housing in June 2020 as the organization’s first Energy & Environmental Manager, the first role of its kind in the AHB sector in Ireland. Susan has 20 years experience as an environmental scientist, with extensive knowledge and experience across a broad range of environmental, ecological and sustainability areas. She is experienced in stakeholder engagement and has a deep understanding of the importance of consultative processes with a successful track record of building and fostering relationships both at a national and international level.