Since May 2019, Neil has strategic responsibility for Enterprise Ireland’s € 60m Research Collaboration Programmes which include the National Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships (in collaboration with IDA Ireland), Technology GateWays, Technology Centres (in collaboration with IDA Ireland) and National Immersive Needs Led Innovation Training Initiative (in development).
He is a member of the Government’s Construction Innovation and Digital Adoption Team which is implementing a RD&I Infrastructural investment programme to support the development of the National Construction & Built Environment industries in advance of Ireland’s National Development Plan – Project Ireland 2040.
Previously Neil headed up Enterprise Ireland’s Global Sourcing, Public Procurement & its relationship with International Financial Institutions ie the World Bank & the Asia Development Bank. Prior to taking up this role he worked with the Forest Industry and the Departments of Business & Agriculture to organise the Forest Industries supply chain in advance of Brexit and prepare for the commercial opportunities from woodfibre volumes doubling over the next decade in Ireland.
Between 2010 and 2015 he was responsible for the delivery of three of Ireland’s Advanced Industry Led Technology Centres covering Energy (IERC), Pharmaceuticals (PMTC) and Advanced Manufacturing (IMR).
Between 2004 and 2007, he successfully led the Construction Markets Division of Enterprise Ireland where he inspired the delivery of the Leadership for Growth Programme for Construction CEOs in 2006.
Neil is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from University College Dublin and Higher Diplomas in Project Management and Highway & Geotechnical Engineering from Trinity College, and Business Strategy and High-Performance Leadership from the Irish Management Institute.