ESB to create 3,700 jobs in new technologies

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

New staff will be hired on a contract basis for specific projects and will not become direct ESB employees.

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

ESB chief executive Pádraig McManus said the investment plans would have no price impact for domestic or commerical customers.

He said the developments would create 3,700 new jobs, sustain a further 1,300 exisiting staff posts and involve hiring apprentices and engineers. “Overall the package involves around 6,000 jobs”, he told RTÉ Radio One this afternoon.

He said by 2013 the company would have created an infrastructure that would allow the industry to grow.

ESB is also looking at knocking down and rebuilding its head office, he added.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen welcomed today's announcement describing it as "a very welcome development in difficult times."

Among the new jobs are 750 jobs 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 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.

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

Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan said: “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. These plans bring with them thousands of jobs we need at this time.”

“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.”

Additional reporting PA