ESB Networks announces €6.5 million investment in Portlaoise training centre

Kenneth Fox

ESB Networks has announced a €6.5 million investment to enhance its national training centre in Portlaoise.

The site plays a key role in ensuring that ESB Networks has the necessary capabilities to enable housing, a growing economy as part of Ireland's Climate Action Plan.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, James Lawless, was in Portlaoise on Thursday to mark the milestone

The site plays a pivotal role in ensuring that ESB Networks has the necessary capabilities to enable housing, a growing economy, and Ireland's Climate Action Plan

ESB said the investment will also support the current onboarding of 156 new electrical apprentices by ESB Networks

In its Networks for Net Zero strategy, ESB Networks has committed to delivering a Net Zero-ready electricity network by 2040.

A €13.4 billion capital investment programme is planned over the next five years (PR6) to decarbonise electricity, deliver reliable and resilient infrastructure, and empower customers to take more control over their energy use.

Minister Lawless said: “This investment is a powerful signal of the continued growth of apprenticeships at the heart of Ireland’s skills strategy.

"With over €410 million committed to apprenticeship delivery from 2026, the Government is building a system that delivers real opportunity, real careers, and real impact.

"Whether it’s powering homes or driving climate action, ESB Networks apprentices are shaping Ireland’s future, developing the advanced skills that power a modern, sustainable, and knowledge-driven economy.”

ESB Networks said they are currently onboarding 156 new electrical apprentices and plans are underway for the onboarding of 120 qualified electricians in Q1 2026.

It brings its total hiring of apprentices and qualified electricians since 2022 to over 700.

ESB Networks is also driving to improve gender diversity in its craft employee group, which has resulted in an average of 26 per cent women in apprenticeship programmes each year.