Ireland’s electricity supply network ESB is planning to create and sustain up to 6,000 jobs in the Irish economy through investment in upskilling and in new energy technologies such as electric cars, smart networks and alternative energy systems.
The semi-state company said that 3,700 of the new positions will be in the development of new energy technologies.
A further 1,300 jobs are expected to be sustained through continued investment in the ESB power generation and networks infrastructure.
ESB also said it plans to recruit hundreds of new engineers, as well as providing training for some 800 apprentices, including 400 apprentices from FAS who have been recently made redundant.
Some 750 new jobs are to be created in the area of smart networks, a further 750 in smart metering and 600 jobs in the development of electrical vehicles.
Some 600 of the new jobs will be in the area of wind energy, 550 in property construction, 350 in the development of new technologies through ESB’s Eco Fund, 250 new jobs will be created in energy services such as home insulation and 150 new jobs in the areas of telecoms, biomass and green fleet.
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD, described the ESB’s plan as essential to the “shortening of dole queues and helping the environment at the same time.
“We know that initiatives such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and green technology bring with them the possibility of jobs, as well as securing our energy future,” Minister Ryan said.
“Today shows that we have moved beyond plans and possibility. We are delivering. The green economy can help bring Ireland out of our current economic difficulties and plot the path to sustainable jobs into the future. Today shows us these jobs in operation on the ground, the green economy in action, our plans brought to fruition.”
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD, commended the ESB for the jobs news. “The company has also been actively engaged in a process of trying to reduce costs of energy to domestic and commercial users of late, something which all consumers have been fervently seeking,” she said.
“This news demonstrates the company’s commitment to stimulating growth in our economy, as well as creating and sustaining much-needed jobs here.”
By John Kennedy
