THE ESB predicted yesterday that its expansion plans would create and support over 6,000 jobs inside and outside the State company over the next four years.
The State-owned electricity company said key areas highlighted in its €22 billion investment plans would create 3,700 new jobs in Ireland between this year and 2013.
Along with this, its plans to continue investing in existing network and electricity-generating infrastructure would result in a further 1,300 jobs.
The remaining 1,100 jobs will result from its own recruitment plans and apprentice-training programmes, one of which is already under way.
The company has already revealed details of its €22 billion investment plan which is focused on developing areas such as renewable power generation, clean electricity and energy efficiency.
ESB chairman Lochlann Quinn said yesterday that the company intended using its resources to stimulate growth and support jobs. “Having set out our strategic framework last year, ESB is pressing ahead with practical initiatives that will assist the economy in a real way in very difficult times.”
Chief executive Padraig McManus said that despite the recession and credit squeeze, the company was not putting its investment strategy on hold as utilities like the ESB have to plan for 15, 20 and 25 years ahead.
He pointed out that banks were still prepared to lend money to utilities. “Those that are lending are lending to utilities with a good track record, and the ESB has a good track record.”
The company will spend around €2 billion on developing energy-efficient meters and networks, which will create a total of 1,500 jobs outside the group.
The other jobs will be in renewable and clean energy, rolling out the infrastructure for electric vehicles, and on energy services and the home-insulation scheme.
The ESB intends to hire 250 engineers and 50 other professionals. It will also take 400 school-leavers into an apprentice programme over the next five years. It is already taking on 400 apprentices who lost their positions due to the downturn.
The ESB intends to rebuild its headquarters on Dublin’s Lower Fitzwilliam Street, which will cost an estimated €200 million and create 550 jobs.
The company has already launched a design competition for the project. Mr Quinn said it expected to go through planning next year and be ready to begin work in early 2011.
The building has been criticised because it does not fit in with the surrounding architecture.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan yesterday welcomed the ESB’s jobs announcement.
“We know that initiatives such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and green technology bring with them the possibility of jobs, as well as securing our energy future.”
He said many of the initiatives, such as energy-efficient meters and networks, renewable power generation and electric vehicles, were driven by him and were included in the Programme for Government.
