SHANNON-BASED aircraft maintenance group Eirtech Aviation is to create 71 jobs at Dublin airport over three years, in a move backed by Enterprise Ireland.

The company will provide aircraft refurbishment, painting and engineering to commercial airlines, as well as private and business-class aircraft operators and leasing companies.

It will be based at Hanger Three in Dublin airport, which was formerly used by SR Technics.

Eirtech was formed last year after a management buyout of Lufthansa Technik Painting Shannon Ltd. It employs 65 staff at its Shannon base.

Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Minister Batt O’Keeffe said Eirtech would “strengthen our reputation for high-quality maintenance services”.

Eirtech is the second Irish-owned maintenance company to set up in Dublin in the past year.

Dublin Aerospace, which is led by Conor McCarthy, has already set up there and the two companies are expected to collaborate in providing airline services.

“Our customer base includes international airlines, leasing companies and private jet operators and the establishment of our Dublin base provides greater flexibility to our clients,” Eirtech managing director Niall Cunningham said yesterday.

Ryanair claimed that Enterprise Ireland was providing €10 million in taxpayers’ money to support Eirtech and Dublin Aerospace to create 250 jobs, having declined its offer to provide 400 jobs at no cost to the State in Hangar Six.

Enterprise Ireland refused to disclose how much financial support it was providing to Eirtech.

But the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation rebutted Ryanair’s claims. “Eirtech is using vacant hanger space in Hanger Three which was offered to Ryanair,” it said.

“The basis for Ryanair’ figures is unknown. It is unfortunate that the airline does not welcome the 71 new aircraft maintenance jobs in Dublin airport.”