Dylan Ryan chairs the Young Engineers Network (YEN) in the Republic of Ireland and has worked in the building services industry for three years. He is now a technical and specification sales representative at Euro Gas.
With nearly nine years of diverse engineering experience, Ryan brings technical insight and a passion for collaboration to his role as YEN chair, supporting young engineers across the network.
How did you become involved in YEN?
I became aware of CIBSE during my time at Euro Gas. My colleague James Porter, who sits on the CIBSE Committee, introduced me to the Young Engineers Network. Ryan Loney, who had been the YEN Ireland chair for the previous nine years, kindly put me forward to be the new chair.
What are the benefits of joining YEN?
There are numerous benefits. It offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network and connect with individuals from all areas of the building services industry. Membership also gives you a deeper understanding of how CIBSE develops its regulations and standards. Through that connection, you gain valuable access to insights and knowledge.
Briefly describe your career to date.
I studied electrical engineering at the National University of Ireland, Galway (now University of Galway), graduating in 2016. I have since gained experience across multiple disciplines, including manufacturing and process engineering in Ireland, substation design in New Zealand, and food processing engineering in Australia. After returning to Ireland, I pursued a Master’s in business administration at the University of Limerick, graduating in 2024. I now work in the HVAC industry with Euro Gas.
What project have you been most proud of?
Rather than a single project, I would lean into my experiences working alongside consultant engineers and installers to develop effective design solutions for existing plants and new facilities through Euro Gas. When the project is completed, you get to reflect and say to yourself ‘I, alongside the design consultancies and installers, have been able to make a significant impact on this project and the building or facility as a whole ‘. Being able to see your ideas and contributions manifest into something real is a great feeling.
Where has YEN Ireland had the biggest impact in the past year?
We have made significant progress by increasing the number of events hosted, in both technical and social aspects, strengthening and structuring the committee, and establishing data-collection methods to assess how we operate, to make it easier to identify areas where we can improve.
What are the current priorities for YEN Ireland? Have you any personal objectives?
My main focus as chair is to build on the momentum of previous years and establish new anchor events that strengthen relationships across the network. My overarching theme is relationships – initiating, enhancing and growing connections on all sides of YEN. Key priorities include:
- Strengthening relationships between current YEN professionals, CIBSE and sponsors
- Connecting college students entering the industry with working professionals in YEN, to help them grow their networks early
- Encouraging greater collaboration throughout all facets of CIBSE in the Republic of Ireland
- Developing mentorship opportunities that connect CIBSE and YEN alumni with newer members
- Organising enjoyable, inclusive events that bring people together.
CIBSE President Vince Arnold’s theme is ‘paying it forward’. Who has inspired you?
If I were to ‘pay it forward’, I wouldn’t single out one mentor or role model. Instead, I would pay it forward to my committee. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, and their dedication is what makes YEN successful. It’s important to me that they get the credit they deserve.