Tánaiste welcomes major jobs boost

ESB plans to create and sustain up to 6,000 jobs

An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan T.D., has today, 16 April 2009, warmly welcomed plans by the ESB to create and sustain up to 6,000 jobs in the Irish economy.

The semi-state company plans to create some 3,700 new positions in the development of new energy technologies.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that 1,300 jobs will be sustained through continued investment in the ESB’s power generation and networks infrastructure.

It also intends to recruit hundreds of new engineers as well as providing training for some 800 apprentices, including some 400 FÁS apprentices who have recently been made redundant. This upskilling programme will be rolled out over the next five years.

“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,” stated An Tánaiste.