The Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations boasted many such people whose names, creations and inventions are still known today. Ptolemy II was an Egyptian astronomer who masterminded the construction of the great pyramids. The Romans developed great skill in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, canals, aqueducts and other waterworks, laying the foundations of modern civil engineering. The origin of engineering lies in catering for the basic human needs of food, shelter and movement.
All engineering is about making life easier and better for mankind.
The need for roads and waterworks developed as a result of people clustering in towns and cities. Transport is essential in a city environment, to bring goods to the city and to bring the produce if the cities to their markets, world-wide. Planning the Future Engineering is a profession with a long and proud tradition in Ireland. For more than two hundred years Irish Engineers have played a major part in developing our country and giving practical shape to the visions and plans of our leaders and entrepreneurs. They have applied their engineering skills and expertise towards the solution of problems and planning the future.