Darren holds the position of Project Hydrogeologist within TOBIN’s Environment and Planning Division. After completing his MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde in 2017, he spent a number of years working for a consultancy in the UK. During this time, he provided technical support and task leadership on a wide range of water resource projects focusing primarily on the delineation of source protection zones; hydrometric monitoring, sampling and technical report writing; borehole drilling; as well as providing technical support to a number of quarry related projects across the UK, including the development of Hydrogeological Environmental Impact Assessments to form part of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

Since joining TOBIN in 2020, Darren has been working with Uisce Éireann (UÉ) on their National Water Resources Plan (NWRP), as a groundwater resource planner. The role involves undertaking groundwater resource assessments, providing technical input into groundwater projects, utilising various software to aid in desk-based assessment, and providing feedback to UÉ team leads to ensure they are provided with technical knowledge to aid in decision-making. Other aspects include working with ecologists and planners to provide holistic assessments of groundwater and surface water options for water resource zones across the country. His contribution to the NWRP has led to further work with findings now being addressed in the UÉ Supply Demand Balance Project.

Outside of work, Darren’s other interests include all elements of agroforestry and permaculture. He loves being out in nature and finds the Connemara landscape a great place to explore and find peace of mind.