EirGrid denies media reports

EirGrid — due to take over the national electricity transmission in 2008 — has refuted media reports over the weekend saying that 700 ESB staff would have to transfer to EirGrid by the end of next year, and that 200 had already done so.

Those figures are closer to 25 and 68, respectively and EirGrid spokesman, Michael Kelly said yesterday, that the company would not be looking to replace staff after ownership is switched.

Speaking about the benefits of the change of ownership, Mr Kelly said: “More competition will be good for consumers in relation to keeping prices down and in relation to better security of supply because new entrants will be more confident of coming into the market because the grid infrastructure they will use will be independent.”