EirGrid plans to create up to 300 jobs over the next five years as part of its strategy for Ireland’s future electricity transmission network, the company said.
Speaking at the launch of Eirgrid's annual report, chairwoman Bernie Gray said the jobs would be created as a result of the investment in its Grid25 project, which will upfrade and improveme the Irish grid.
About 30 of the jobs will be in engineering, project management, planning, design and other specialist areas, Eirgrid said. Recruitment for these jobs will begin this year.
An additional 200 jobs will be created with the construction of power lines and substations around Ireland, and at least 50 jobs will be in the professional services sector, such as outsourced specialist skills supporting Grid25, in the first two years.
A large number of construction jobs during Grid25 could be won by local contractor businesses, Ms Gray said.
The company said there was the potential for thousands of jobs through the implementation of Grid25.
"Through enabling high quality bulk transportation of power the Grid25 project will provide support for sectors such as renewable energy, the pharmaceutical industry and IT, which require strong transmission of electricity, therefore delivering many more indirect jobs," said Ms Gray.
Operating profit for the year to September 2009 was €9.4 million, compared to €8.6 million for the nine months to September 2008. Revenue was €410.7 million, up from €282.7 million for the nine months to September 2008. The company said the increase was largely due to the acquisition of System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI).
