Friday, 06.11.2009
Bord Gáis to create 250 jobs

Bord Gáis today vowed to create 250 jobs as part of a massive €2.5bn spending spree that will inject life into the economy.<br /><br />The semi-state energy giant said new recruits are needed by the end of next year for its energy efficiency scheme.<br /><br />Insulation and other energy-saving measures will be fitted in customers' homes, under the programme.<br /><br />Energy Minister Eamon Ryan praised Bord Gáis for creating opportunities out of the present economic and climate crisis.<br /><br />"These are green jobs in the green economy and I congratulate Bord Gáis on embracing this exciting future," he said.<br /><br />The €2.5bn investment plan will see:<br /><br />:: Six "major" projects rolled out over the next five years which "will provide a substantial economic stimulus to the Irish economy".<br />:: Completion of a €400m power plant at Whitegate, Midleton, Co Cork.<br />:: Some €1.2bn poured into wind energy projects<br />:: Electricity peaking plants constructed at a cost of €300m.<br /><br />John Mullins, chief executive of Bord Gáis, said Ireland needed to improve its energy efficiency and invest in sustainable power alternatives to keep up with demand and international developments.<br /><br />"A reduction in the number of new houses being built, combined with people moving homes less frequently, means that investing in improving the energy efficiency of people's homes makes financial sense," he said.