Cork woman helping shape Ireland’s energy future appointed key role with EirGrid

A Cork native, who is playing a role in building Ireland’s energy future, has been appointed Director of Business Services at EirGrid.

Prior to this appointment, Doireann Barry, from Bishopstown, was Head of SONI Governance Implementation at EirGrid. 

As Ireland accelerates its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, Doireann is among those helping to shape a future where secure, sustainable and affordable electricity powers homes, businesses and communities across the country.

After studying Electrical Engineering in UCC, she started her career as a graduate in ESB National Grid, which later became EirGrid.

She has since moved through junior and senior engineering roles within the organisation, and has also held roles in IT, strategy, sustainability and transformation.

Speaking of her appointment, Doireann said: “I am delighted to take up the role of Director of Business Services at such an important time for the organisation. 

“Business Services plays a vital role in enabling the organisation to perform at its best, and I look forward to supporting EirGrid's people, strengthening our foundations and helping deliver EirGrid's strategy.”

This announcement comes as EirGrid recently launched its Group Strategy 2026, setting out an ambitious roadmap to transform Ireland’s electricity grid for a future where every home business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity. 

The strategy outlines how EirGrid will deliver the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system, to transform the economy and society through electrification. 

Following an allocation of €18.9 billion by Government and the regulator, for investment in the electricity grid and network, EirGrid will deliver an ambitious programme of work over the strategy period to 2030, with a clear focus on building grid infrastructure at pace and at scale.

One of the key enablers to deliver the new strategy which Doireann will be working on is “Customers and Stakeholders at the Core”. This reflects the importance put on working closely with customers, communities, industry and policymakers to deliver solutions that support Ireland’s energy future.

Commenting on the delivery of EirGrid’s new Strategy, Doireann said: “Strong engagement and collaboration are essential to delivering infrastructure and enabling change at scale, and we at EirGrid look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders, from communities to government and industry, as we deliver a more resilient energy system.”