ESB today launched the ‘Energy for Generations’ fund, a new corporate responsibility investment which will see over €2m per year disbursed across a range of community and issues-based initiatives.

Approximately €1m per year will be dedicated to addressing issues relating to education, suicide prevention and homelessness. The remainder will be allocated across a range of initiatives including wind farm community funds, fuel poverty programmes and support for staff volunteering.

Speaking at the launch, Pat O'Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB said: "As a leading Irish organisation with deep roots in the community dating back to 1927, we are committed to playing a role in addressing some of the key social issues facing Ireland today. Our aim with the Energy for Generations fund is to maximise the impact of our investment by taking a more strategic approach to effect change. Funding is only part of the jigsaw – we also want to leverage the skills and knowledge we have within the company to bring about more sustainable and positive outcomes.

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"ESB has been supporting initiatives in the areas of suicide prevention and homelessness since 2007 and is currently among the largest private funders of suicide prevention in Ireland. The Energy for Generations fund introduces a new focus on education, which recognises the need for educational supports at all levels to ensure that Ireland has the skills it needs to compete effectively in the future. The Energy for Generation Fund will target a range of measures across all educational levels, from primary to third level, including adult education.

"One such initiative is a partnership with An Cosán, who are developing Ireland's first virtual university."

Liz Waters from An Cosán said: "Through support from ESB and our other partners Learnovate, IT Carlow, and Accenture, we are developing a world class academic programme for adult learners that can be rolled out nationwide through community based organisations."

ESB has also partnered with Business in the Community to fund the Time to Read Programme, a national initiative which matches volunteers from companies with disadvantaged schools to provide one to one reading support for second class pupils.

The Energy for Generations Fund will also provide support to ESB staff who volunteer within their own communities. Staff who volunteer at least 20 hours of their own time per year will be invited to apply for funding of up to €250 for their chosen registered charity.

(CD/MH)