ESB energy schemes to create 3,700 jobs

Some 800 apprentices will be trained up as part of a wave of new ESB energy schemes that will create 3,700 jobs, the company said today.

The traineeships over the next five years will include 400 FÁS apprentices who lost their jobs in the slump.

ESB said it will finance 50 apprentices each year for the next four years to allow them complete a third-level engineering degree.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the ESB investment was a major step towards building Ireland’s “smart economy”.

“This is a very welcome development in difficult times,” he said.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said the announcement was great news at a crucial time for the economy.

“Based on Government policy, one of Ireland’s finest semi-state companies is stepping up to the plate and helping provide the jobs of the future,” he said.

“These plans bring with them thousands of jobs we need at this time.”

The power company said 3,700 posts will be created in new technologies and renewable energy schemes.

These include smart networks (750 jobs), smart meters (750), electric vehicles (600), wind energy (300), construction, including the redevelopment of the Dublin headquarters (550) and an eco-fund (350).

Some 250 engineers and 50 other professionals will be among the new positions.

Another 250 jobs are to be created in the home insulation scheme while 150 people will be recruited in other projects including in telecoms and biomass technology.

“Today we are stimulating the economy, shortening the dole queues and helping the environment at the same time,” said Mr Ryan.

“It is clear evidence of a plan that is working and one that works best when we work together.”

ESB said a further 1,300 jobs outside the company would be secured through its investment in power generation and its networks infrastructure.

Padraig McManus, ESB chief executive, said job creation needed to be a priority for companies that had the resources to invest.

“Energy, and particularly the emergence of new technologies in the renewables area, presents us with the potential for really substantial job creation in Ireland,” he said.

“As a major Irish company, ESB has the will, ability and commitment to take a lead and to invest in viable enterprises and inject energy into the economy.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan also warmly welcomed the plans.

“I whole-heartedly compliment the ESB on this very significant announcement. 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.

“This news demonstrates the company’s commitment to stimulating growth in our economy as well as creating and sustaining much needed jobs here,” Ms Coughlan said.