To mark our 75th Anniversary, we are shining a light on some NCI alumni to showcase the amazing talent the College has produced throughout the years.
David Costello, Deputy Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Alumni Spotlight: David Costello
BA (Honours) in Industrial Relations (1993)
Deputy Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Former Consulate General of Ireland to Hong Kong & Macau and Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico
About David
David's career trajectory is impressive. Upon completing his studies in industrial relations at National College of Ireland, he began working life in the Department of Social Welfare before holding various roles in IT, change management and human resources. This experience allowed him to move into a senior role as Director for Social Housing which included the Ballymun Regeneration, a billion-euro urban renewal project.
David continued to progress in his career as he became a diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs, completing 3 residencies overseas in Romania, Mexico and Hong Kong at transformational times in each country. Now, he is back in headquarters in Dublin and, having worked on relations with the US and Canada for two years, he manages the Shared Island Fund which promotes connections across the North and South of Ireland.
David speaks about his career journey, the decisions that shaped his path, and the experiences that influence his work in this video.
Part of the NCI Family
When you join NCI, you become part of our family. This is especially true for David who rejoined the College as an Associate Faculty member at diploma level for 16 years until he was posted abroad in 2010.
He reflects on that time:
"My teaching style was rooted in sharing experiences which enabled students to identify with the literature. It has been a privilege to watch their growth over the years."
David has been on a long journey with NCI which includes the transition from the National College of Industrial Relations to National College of Ireland, as well as from the previous campus to the current location at Mayor Square. He served as President of the Students' Union during his time as a student and in March 2026, he returned for the opening of the Spencer Dock campus building where, during a full circle moment, he heard current NCISU President, Tre Robert, discuss how education is the most powerful tool we have to change the trajectory of a life.
His hope for the future is for NCI to continue to grow and develop in partnership with the local community.
#75YearsofNCI