Alex McLean

The bursary is being run this year for the first time in memory of the late Niamh Burke by Arthur Cox and her family. The fund is being promoted on behalf of her colleagues and family by the Irish Wind Energy Association.

Ms Burke was a former partner and consultant in Arthur Cox, who advised on some of Ireland’s largest energy, infrastructure and construction projects over a 20-year career.

To honour her memory and her contribution to the development of renewable energy in Ireland, the bursary offers up to €10,000 each year for a period of five years to individuals wishing to study or to carry out research in the field of renewable energy.

Alex McLean, partner at Arthur Cox, said: “We have been looking for an appropriate way to remember Niamh since her untimely passing in 2018. Together with her family, we felt that providing an educational stepping-stone for people in the renewable energy industry would be a fitting tribute to Niamh’s enormous contribution to this sector over her career.”

Dr David Connolly, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association, added: “Opportunities like this are so important for the next generation of leaders in our industry. The two successful applicants will bring with them a wealth of knowledge into the Irish energy and infrastructure landscape.

“We have a massive opportunity to combat climate change in Ireland through the development of renewable energy alternatives. Initiatives like this help to nurture talent in this sphere.”

Mr Martins will begin a PhD to explore the role of hydrogen in Ireland’s decarbonisation strategy this September in Dublin City University. He is originally from Brazil and has a background in production engineering.

Mr Mulvihill applied for the bursary to undertake a postgraduate diploma in construction law at the Law Society of Ireland. He is from Longford and has a background in electrical engineering, having worked in various roles in the wind industry since 2006.