The Irish wind energy sector is poised to create a further 1,100 new direct jobs by 2020, bringing the total number employed directly in the sector to 5,500 people nationwide.
This is according to a new survey of 150 energy companies operating in Ireland carried out by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA).
The survey also demonstrates that in the three years since the last such study was conducted the wind energy sector has created approximately 300 jobs per year, which is in line with economic projections set out by TCD and the ESRI in 2013.
Currently, approximately 4,400 people work in the sector with many of the jobs being based in rural Ireland.
The IWEA survey shows that over 40% of wind energy jobs are based outside of Dublin. Of the 4,400 people currently employed in the sector 1,000 people are employed in operational and engineering roles on wind farms spread across Ireland, whilst a further 300 people are employed at regional support offices across the country.
The remaining 3,100 positions are based in the organisational headquarters of the 150 energy companies surveyed.
A significant proportion (30%) of the companies participating in the survey highlighted that skills shortages when recruiting new staff were a growing concern, which had forced some companies to recruit abroad for skills specific roles.
Cork is currently the county with the highest penetration of wind energy in Ireland with 461MW currently installed. This is followed by Kerry (315MW), Donegal (298MW), Tipperary (268MW) and Limerick (182MW).
Chairman of IWEA, Peter Harte said, "Wind energy is continuing to grow strongly in Ireland and employment in the sector is increasing consistently across the country in line with expectations. While wind energy is fast becoming Ireland’s most competitive energy resource, it is also bringing considerable economic benefits to towns and regions throughout Ireland by way of employment, commercial rates and contributions to local communities."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
