Laois to gain from expanding ESB Networks training centre

The ESB Network's national training centre in Laois is about to get bigger and a lot more visible, with the construction of a 1,000sq metre extension, costing €6.5 million.

Tucked away off the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise, the surprisingly large centre already teaches 450 apprentices from all over Ireland, learning the latest electrical skills over a four year apprenticeship. It gives jobs to 70 full time staff.

Those numbers are set to increase with the biggest extension of the centre since it was built over 50 years ago.

A class underway at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise. Photo: Leinster Express

The investment will have a positive impact on Portlaoise.

Frank Murphy, technical training and development manager, spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live at the official opening on Thursday, October 30.

"It will bring a lot more footfall into the area, with an expansion of jobs, extra trainers and supports. It's an iconic site, it already brings huge footfall to Laois. It will be more visible to people passing by," Mr Murphy said.

The extension will be built quickly, expected to be finished by mid September next year. It will have five training rooms, two meeting rooms, an office and coffee dock over two floors, along with a new carpark. A glazed atrium will link to the existing building.

Nicholas Tarrent, Managing Director of ESB Networks, said it is a "special project for us".

"In 1970 we started here in Portlaoise. Our aim is to teach technical skills and safety on the network. These are people working to build and maintain the network, it's a really important job.  We are expanding because of the scale of the work ahead.

"We have 156 new apprentices this year, and 40 are female. We are a leader in terms of diversity and we are very proud of that fact," he said.

He adds that in the next five years, €13 billion will be spent expanding the electrical network, including investing in the substation in Portlaoise, "one of the fastest growing towns in the country."

First year apprentices Dearbhla McGrath and Ryan Bourke with James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Fennell Photography.

Turning the sod on the already active construction site, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD calls it a "significant investment".

"It is great to be here marking continued success. The ESB has shone a light on Ireland's progress, and the criticality of what you do, for communities, the environment and climate. I remember in the storms all the crews coming through Rosslare, and our crews going to France. 

"We need to strengthen the grid, and use renewables to power hospitals, business and homes in a way that is climate proof. There's a huge opportunity off our coastline to harness the mighty Atlantic and become energy independent. We need skills, and the skills represented here today are critical," he said.

Minister Lawless praised the Laois Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, an electrical apprentice in Kirby, Portlaoise.

"She is a young female apprentice leading the way not just in the dome, but in her career. She represents the changing face of apprentices," he said.

The Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is Marian Harkin.

She praised ESB networks for "setting a powerful example in helping to build the workforce that we ars a country need to deliver on infrastructure and climate action".

She also noted the impact of Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins on promoting apprenticeships to women.

"She is a fantastic ambassador. As a middle aged Minister my promotion means nothing, but when you have a young woman like her, you know you're onto a winner," Minister Harkin said.

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Also attending the opening were Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh and CEO Michael Rainey, Laois TDs Sean Fleming and Willie Aird, Senator Maria McCormack and Laois county councillors John Joe Fennelly, Catherine Fitzgerald and Paddy Buggy.