Donal O'Callaghan

About Donal

Donal O'Callaghan is a seasoned engineering professional with over 40 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering design, procurement, and construction. Since April 2023, he has acted as a Technical and Business Consultant with Sterling Engineering Ltd., where he focuses on driving sales and marketing initiatives, providing recruitment assistance, and overseeing the conceptual design of Life Sciences projects.

Prior to his role at Sterling, Donal co-founded Callaghan Engineering in 1990, leading the firm to become one of Ireland's premier multi-discipline consulting engineering companies. Under his leadership, Callaghan Engineering served over 200 clients, with more than 85% of sales derived from repeat business.

Throughout his career, Donal has held key positions in project management, with significant assignments in the biopharma and medical devices sectors. His commitment to engineering excellence and sustainability has driven his ongoing success in the industry. He has also acted as a Senior Inspector with An Bord Pleanala, mainly in the area of air/water pollution appeals.

Project Highlights:

• Merck, Co. Cork: Project Manager for a €36 million Media Manufacturing Plant and a $75 million membrane manufacturing facility.
• Pfizer, Little Island: Oversaw a €4 million Centrifuge Project and a €1.5 million Front End Study.
• Abbott Diagnostics, Longford: Directed a €13.5 million facility upgrade in diagnostics.
• Data Centre Facility, Dublin: Managed a €55 million investment for a confidential client.
• Amgen, Co. Dublin: Led a €25 million Containment Project.
• EU Presidency: Led an engineering team for Ireland’s last Presidency of the EU, providing facilities for the print and broadcast media

Education & Qualifications:

• B.E. in Chemical Engineering, University College Dublin
• Diploma in Project Management, University of Dublin
• Member of The Institute of Directors (M.Inst.D)
• Member of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (M.ISPE)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Fellow of Engineers Ireland (F.I.E.I)
• Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE)