3,700 new jobs - ESB plan is a light in a dark tunnel

HOW very welcome yesterday’s announcement by the ESB that it will create nearly 4,000 jobs over the next five years. This is indeed the stuff of economic recovery.

What an uplifting contrast to the almost daily spiral of job losses and closures that last month saw the number of people out of work reach 372,800, an increase of 20,000 in just a month. In the year to March 2009, the figures nearly doubled at 173,279 (+87.5%).

These are dismal figures and they have an impact on the psyche of so very many people, those who have lost jobs and those who fear they may lose theirs.

The ESB’s intention is to create up to 3,700 jobs as part of a stimulus plan based around renewable energy.

This is doubly welcome as it offers work opportunities and does so in a way that recognises a changing energy world. Such a level of activity will have a downstream impact and sustain other jobs as well.

As part of the scheme, 800 apprentices will be trained over the next five years, including 400 FÁS apprentices who lost their jobs in recent times.

Reassuringly, ESB chief executive Pádraig McManus said the investment plans would have “no impact on price” for domestic or commercial customers.

Among the new jobs are 750 jobs in smart networks, 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 recruits. 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.

The Green Party have been derided by those who think they have too often and too readily played second fiddle to Fianna Fáil, but in this instance they, through Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, can give themselves a pat on the back.

“Today is the green economy writ large and in action. 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. 3,700 of these jobs are in the new green economy. Government initiatives such as smart meters, smart networks, electric cars, renewable energy, green technology and home insulation are bearing fruit,” said Mr Ryan yesterday.

His optimism was echoed by ESB chairman Lochlann Quinn, who said the company is determined to use its resources and strength to help stimulate growth in the economy and to support jobs in Ireland.

Continuing the theme, ESB chief executive Pádraig McManus said job creation must now be a priority for companies with the capacity to invest.

We have all grown weary and suspicious of job announcements used for political purposes but at this time we should all welcome this initiative and encourage other organisations with similar capacity to follow the wonderful example shown by the ESB.

It is a wonderful example of how powerful and committed semi-state companies can be the catalyst for optimism and development. We should ask ourselves if this commitment to Ireland Inc would have been made had the ESB been privatised.