ESB granted planning permission to expand its National Training Centre in Laois
The application was approved with 14 conditions attached
The ESB has been granted planning permission for a major expansion of its national training campus in Portlaoise.
The national electrical utility said it needs additional space due the extra 1,000 staff being hired between 2022 and 2025 to support the delivery of Net Zero by 2024.
It applied to construct an additional nine classrooms, a canteen and an office at its national training centre on the Abbeyleix Road at Curriesbog, Portlaoise.
The proposed development will also consist of 53 new car parking spaces, bicycle spaces, footpaths, lighting poles, underground cabling and all associated site works. The existing access from the N77 would be used at the site.
An ESB Networks spokesperson said: “ESB Networks is hiring 1,000 staff between 2022 and end of 2025 to support the delivery of Net Zero by 2040. The ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise is a unique asset among electrical utilities in Europe and its extension will enable existing staff, apprentices, external electricians and contractors, to gain the competency skills and necessary approval levels to be able to safely and effectively deliver the significant work programme set out in the future.”
Laois County Council approved the application with 14 conditions attached.