My Â鶹ÊÓƵ Story: David McVeigh's role in geo-environmental consulting and risk assessment
July 24, 2025
David McVeigh, principal geo-environmental consultant, discusses his role in hazard assessments and risk mitigation.
In the My Â鶹ÊÓƵ Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Â鶹ÊÓƵ have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role¡
I joined Â鶹ÊÓƵ in our Belfast office in January as a principal geo-environmental consultant. My role involves preparing preliminary geo-environmental hazard assessments and ground engineering desk study reports as well as assessing risks and opportunities for clients developing new projects¡ªparticularly in water schemes. I also complete and advise on ground investigation reports (GIRs), testing soil, gas, and groundwater to help reduce hazard impact on proposed works, site workers, the public, or sensitive ecological areas. Where risks are identified, I provide remediation or mitigation options.
What attracted you to a career at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
Although Â鶹ÊÓƵ has a long-standing presence in the UK, we¡¯re now taking our first steps into the geo-environmental and geotechnical sectors in Ireland. I saw a great opportunity to be part of something new and exciting, especially given the success of similar schemes across the UK.
The chance to help shape the direction of our work here was a major incentive. I was also attracted by the variety of projects Â鶹ÊÓƵ is involved in. Previously, I focused on planning schemes and redeveloping brownfield sites, but Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s work in water utilities really intrigued me. Water challenges are well documented across UK&I, and I saw a real opportunity to contribute to improving the water network across Ireland.
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What do you enjoy most about your role?
The collaborative environment and the freedom to bring my own ideas to the table are what I enjoy most. From day one, I joined a well-structured team with experienced colleagues, which meant I could immediately contribute and influence our reports. We work together through every stage of report preparation¡ªwriting, checking, and reviewing¡ªwhich encourages knowledge sharing and skill development. That makes my role incredibly rewarding.
How has your personal and professional development been supported at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, my development has been strongly supported through a great network of knowledge sharing. Early on, I learned from colleagues in England about coal mining risk assessments¡ªsomething less common in Ireland. Regular lunchtime knowledge talks, and weekly team meetings, give us space to discuss challenges, share ideas, and improve our reports. I¡¯ve also been encouraged to pursue chartership, with Â鶹ÊÓƵ covering membership for two professional bodies, which has been a real bonus.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
It¡¯s hard to pick just one! I¡¯ve already worked on around 50 reports. Each site brings its own unique challenges, and no two are the same. That variety is what I enjoy most. One day I might be working on a city centre site, the next on a rural scheme, each with different risks and receptors. Whether it¡¯s in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or England, every project feels like a fresh investigation, which keeps the work interesting and rewarding.
How do you incorporate sustainability and innovation into your projects?
One way we incorporate sustainability is by aiming to reuse materials on site after ground investigations, rather than sending them to landfill. This not only reduces waste and emissions but is also more cost-effective for our clients. We carry out appropriate testing levels to confirm materials are suitable for reuse, helping to minimise environmental impact while maintaining safety and compliance across our projects.
What are your ambitions for your future at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?
I want to continue developing my technical and report-writing skills, with the goal of progressing to the final review stage of reports. I¡¯d like to be the one signing off the final package delivered to the client. I¡¯m also keen to get more involved in client meetings and build on my analytical thinking skills. It¡¯s all about continuous learning¡ªno one knows everything in this role, so I¡¯m focused on growing and improving with each project.
What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old golden retriever, Bailey¡ªhe keeps me busy with plenty of walks. I¡¯m also a regular at the gym and enjoy watching rugby. It¡¯s a good balance to the day job and helps me switch off.
Why should others join the Â鶹ÊÓƵ team?
Â鶹ÊÓƵ provides the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects alongside a large, supportive team of experienced professionals. The number of specialists to draw upon in a business of Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s size is invaluable, both for developing professionals and clients alike. Everyone is approachable and happy to help. The Belfast office is modern and well-located, and the company offers great training, a strong work-life balance, and real opportunities for growth.
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, we put people first. For David, that means supporting communities and the environment through collaborative, sustainable geo-environmental solutions that protect both people and the planet.?
