Éadaoin Clarke builds thriving construction business after Dundalk IT journey

When Éadaoin Clarke first walked through the doors of Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) in 2004, she couldn’t have imagined the path ahead. Inspired by family members who praised DKIT’s community feel and solid education, the Marist Secondary School graduate dove into Civil Engineering drawn by the course’s structure and hands-on modules.

But when the economic crash hit after graduation, plans shifted. “I took a more stable route initially,” she recalls, “but it never felt right.” In 2011, she returned to DKIT for the Level 8 Engineering Entrepreneurship degree — a turning point that reignited her passion for the construction industry.

From Site Clerk on the Luas Cross City project to Site Engineer at Mac Group, Éadaoin worked her way up, gaining experience across roles, even pushing through a seven-month health setback. In 2019, she founded Curran Construction Services EMC Ltd, a business now offering project management, QS, and health and safety services. Today, she also lectures at DKIT and represents Engineers Ireland as Liaison Officer for STEM in the North East.

Teaching, she says, is a passion: “Seeing students have those lightbulb moments — it’s everything.”   Her experience as a student has instilled in her a desire to foster a supportive learning environment.   Éadaoin believes that the collaborative atmosphere at DkIT was a significant factor in her educational success and has inspired her to return as an educator.  She currently lectures on the BSc (Hons) Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 

She believes her DKIT years were foundational: “I learned how to manage people, communicate clearly, and most importantly, build lasting relationships.”

Éadaoin's long-term dream? To grow her business and eventually take over the family firm, Declan Curran Steel Lintels Ltd. Her advice to young students, especially women in STEM? “Keep an open mind. Empowering parents and creating inclusive narratives will help change the landscape.”

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And to her 18-year-old self? “Trust your instincts. Get on site. You’ll learn faster than you think.”

With aspirations to expand her own business and inspire future engineers, she continues to pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the STEM fields. 

From student to entrepreneur and educator, Éadaoin’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion — and the power of coming full circle.

For more details on the BSc (Hons) Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship and other courses check out www.DkIT.ie