Barry Williams, Managing Director of Mott MacDonald Ireland, brings over 30 years of civil engineering experience to the judging panel for the Engineering Excellence Awards 2026, contributing a practitioner's perspective built on a career defined by landmark infrastructure projects and sustained leadership across some of Ireland's most technically significant sectors.

Williams leads Mott MacDonald Ireland's operations across Transportation, Energy, Water, and Buildings. This portfolio reflects the full breadth of engineering disciplines the awards programme is designed to recognise.

His oversight of performance across these sectors places him at the intersection of technical delivery and strategic direction, a vantage point that informs the rigour he will bring to the judging process.

Moreover, his professional credentials are extensive. A Fellow of Engineers Ireland and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, and holding a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Williams has built a career grounded in both academic excellence and hands-on delivery at the highest level.

That delivery record speaks for itself. Williams has led or contributed significantly to some of the most consequential engineering projects in recent Irish history, among them the Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme, the New Ross and Waterford Bypasses, the Newlands Cross Flyover, the Jack Lynch Tunnel, and the Douglas Estuary Bridge.

The depth of experience Williams brings to those projects is matched by a commitment to the people who will carry the profession forward. He is recognised for his dedication to mentoring and professional development, investing in the growth of engineers at every stage of their careers.

The Engineering Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievement across the full breadth of Irish engineering, from construction and manufacturing to software, biomedical, and renewable energy, with shortlisted entrants receiving national exposure through The Irish Times Online.

The 2026 panel includes Judging Coordinator Matt Cotterell of MTU, Professor Brian Caulfield of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Brian Deegan of the University of Galway, Daniel Clarke Hagan of Atlantic Technological University, Niall Hanley of JJ Rhatigan, James McNamara of TUS, and Tom Rowan of Rowan Engineering.

Entries close on 3 July 2026, with the awards gala taking place on 21 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

Visit the official Engineering Excellence Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for category details, programme updates, and the full judging panel.