ESB Electric Ireland reports €339m profit

The ESB contributed €2.2bn to the Irish economy last year, according to its annual report.

The company said it is as a result of purchases from Irish suppliers, taxes, rates, wages and dividends paid.

The ESB reported profits of €339m for 2010.

The company, which is now known as ESB Electric Ireland, said its performance in 2010 was "very strong" in spite of an "extremely challenging" business environment.