UK Ambassador Visits Eastgate Engineering
Eastgate Engineering welcomed UK Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen, along with George Moore, First Secretary Political, and Róisín Davis, Communications Officer, to its Waterford office on Friday. The visit highlighted the company’s steady growth and its vital role in supporting industry across both Ireland and the UK.
During the visit, Ambassador Owen met with Eastgate CEO David Brennan and team to gain insight into the work being delivered from its Waterford base. Discussions focused not only on specific projects but also on the practical realities of operating across two closely linked economies, including cross-border collaboration in engineering and infrastructure. Established in 2007, Eastgate Engineering has grown by taking on complex, high-demand projects and prioritising long-term relationships. This approach has enabled the company to expand beyond Ireland, establishing a strong UK presence with offices in Stockton and Warrington.
CEO of Eastgate, David Brennan’s own path into the industry, starting first as an apprentice electrician, continues to shape the company’s ethos. His experience on the ground informs Eastgate’s focus on reliability, practical delivery, and keeping operations straightforward. Speaking after the visit, David Brennan said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Ambassador Kara Owen to Waterford and to show the work our team is doing here. We’ve built this business step by step over many years, so it’s important to demonstrate what that looks like in practice. The relationship between Ireland and the UK is a big part of that, and we see the value of it every day in the work we do.”
Eastgate’s growing influence extends to key networks such as the UK’s Energi Coast and NOF, as well as the Irish South Eastern Offshore Wind Partnership, where the company collaborates on initiatives that strengthen cross-border industry links and innovation.
Beyond its commercial activities, Eastgate Engineering remains committed to social responsibility. The company sponsors Teesside Hospice, runs the Vicky Phelan Portrait Tour and awareness platform “Vicky’s Legacy”, and supports local sports teams and organisations across Ireland and the UK, reflecting its dedication to community engagement alongside business growth. Operating across both markets brings challenges but also clear advantages. Shared standards, geographic proximity, and long-established business links create opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as engineering, energy, and infrastructure. Eastgate’s Waterford office remains central to these operations, supporting projects that rely on coordinated efforts between Irish and UK-based teams.
The visit underscored how regional companies like Eastgate contribute to international relationships. By delivering projects, sharing expertise, and supporting employment in both countries, the company highlights how cross-border collaboration is shaped through day-to-day business activity.
