Who We Are

Rory Dunphy is an experienced Geoscience and Business Manager with over 20 years in the energy industry, now dedicated to advancing Ireland’s geothermal sector. As Chair of the Geothermal Association of Ireland, Rory brings a wealth of expertise in organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement, strategy definition, and policy development.

Through his consulting work with Build Geothermal Limited, Rory supports the growth of Ireland’s geothermal industry by providing geoscience, operations, and project management expertise. He previously led key components of the Geological Survey of Ireland’s National Geothermal Database Project and is a co-creator of the National Geothermal Summit, helping to build the foundation for increasing geothermal development nationwide.

Joe Ireland is committed to advancing geothermal energy as a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure, bridging the gap between technical innovation, policy vision, and long-term investment value.

As Business Development Manager at GeoServ Ltd, Joe leads market-making and business development initiatives focused on transforming geothermal systems into infrastructure-grade, investor-backed assets for renewable heating, cooling, and energy storage. His work supports the decarbonisation of critical sectors such as airports, pharmaceuticals, data centres, mixed-use developments, and the agri-food industry, helping clients achieve enduring ESG outcomes, energy independence, and security.

Sandra is an enthusiastic Environmental Scientist with experience in both consultancy and academia in Ireland and abroad. She holds a PhD in Environmental Technologies and driven by her passion for sustainable solutions, she completed a certification on Climate Resilience for Business. Her professional experience includes geoenvironmental risk assessment, hydrogeology, wetland restoration and sustainability-focus projects encompassing circular economy, biodiversity and renewable energy. Sandra joined the GAI as secretary, where she supports the growth and development of the sector.

Aoife started her geoscience career in Galway and after completing her PhD in UCD chose to focus her career on research management. In 2014 she established RML Ltd, a company that specialises in supporting research and researchers across the whole life cycle of research funding and projects, where she is now Managing Director. For 10 years she has managed the Geological Survey Ireland Research Programme and associated activities. RML is currently leading on the Communications and Engagement, and Education and Training, work in the GEMINI geothermal project, as well as ensuring greater impact from research projects across the geosciences.

Paul is a Senior Geologist with Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), currently working on the GEMINI project, which focuses on developing geothermal demonstrator sites across Ireland and Northern Ireland, alongside national resource characterisation efforts. A Chartered Geologist (PGeo) and European Geologist (EurGeol), Paul has over a decade of experience spanning both the conventional and renewable energy sectors. He brings a deep technical understanding of the subsurface and a strong commitment to advancing Ireland’s geothermal capability.

Paul has worked on several major geothermal research projects, including GEONORM, RESULT, GEOURBAN, and GEOFRAME, focusing on geothermal resource assessment, data integration, and project development.

In addition to geothermal, Paul has also contributed to the growth of Ireland’s offshore wind industry, supporting a variety of offshore wind development projects.