ESB Networks has announced a €6.5 million investment in its Networks Training Centre (NTC) in Portlaoise.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, visited the facility today alongside Minister of State Marian Harkin and Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, to mark the occasion.

The investment forms part of ESB Networks' broader Networks for Net Zero strategy, which commits to delivering a Net Zero-ready electricity network by 2040. Over the next five years, the organisation plans a €13.4 billion capital investment programme to decarbonise electricity, strengthen infrastructure, and empower customers to manage their energy use.

Speaking at the event, Minister James 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."

-- Advertisement --

Minister of State Marian Harkin said: "This project represents an investment in one of Ireland’s greatest strengths - its people. The Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programmes reflect the full diversity of Irish society, including through greater participation by women. Since the establishment of my department, the number of female apprentices has doubled, rising from 5% in 2020 to 10% today. While this progress is encouraging, we know there is still more to achieve, and I am delighted to see ESB Networks setting a strong example for others to follow."

Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, said: "The announcement is critical to ensuring that ESB Networks and our contractor partners have the necessary skills and capabilities to support a major capital investment programme in the electricity network that will enable housing, a growing economy and climate action. For generations, the ESB Networks national training centre has played a vital role in delivering technical, safety and electrical craft training to ESB Networks' employees and our contractor partners. Through this investment in Portlaoise we will expand our training delivery capability, which in turn will support the continued growth in resources to enable investment delivery in the electricity network over the coming years. I would like to thank Minister Lawless and Minister of State Harkin for being here to mark this important milestone with us."