Wind-turbine maker to power over 145 jobs over three years

NEARLY 160 jobs are to be created in Galway over the next three years in a major jobs boost for the county.

Some 145 jobs will be created by C&F Green Energy in Athenry in a project supported by Enterprise Ireland.

The jobs are in the area of the commercial manufacturing of a range of small wind turbines that have been in development over the past three years.

The turbines, the capcaity of which ranges from 6kw to 50kw, are much smaller than the turbines associated with large windfarms.

They are designed to power farms, factories, individual residential dwellings and export any surplus electricity back to the grid.

Speaking at the launch of the new jobs, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the project could also help boost the wider economy.

“Not only are we seeing 145 new manufacturing jobs come on stream today but this project has the potential to generate significant spin off to the Irish economy,” he said.

“The project gives a substantial push to the development of Ireland’s green economy and will help place Ireland in the forefront of the developing renewable energy sector worldwide. Through Enterprise Ireland, the Government is proud to support this ambitious and visionary investment.”

C&F managing director& John Flaherty expressed his hope for the company’s prospects as an exporter.

“&We are excited about the employment and exporting prospects that it holds for C&F and for our employees into the future as we are certain that we have developed a leading-edge range of products to service a growing worldwide market,” he said.

In more good jobs news for Galway, Irish Organic Weedkiller, the start-up that brought Ireland’s first 100% natural weedkiller to the market last year, has announced 20 jobs with the opening of its factory in Claregalway.

Founder and entrepreneur Oisín Concannon said the company hopes to create the jobs over the next 18 months in areas including chemical, sales and marketing and administration.

“In pre-launch testing our product performed quicker and more actively than the market leading synthetic weedkillers and excellent customer feedback continues to bolster customer sales,” he said.

“Sales are also encouraging in the amenity and agricultural sectors. Despite the challenging times, we are confident in our product, our customer base and confident in Ireland as a place to do business,” he said.