Non-EEA workers, including Indian linemen, will now arrive in Ireland.

Authorization for ESB Networks to employ line workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in Ireland.

ESB Networks was successful in persuading the government to change the work permit scheme to employ up to 100 contract line workers. For this, 10 billion euros will be invested in the power grid. ESB Networks said in its application that the Work Permit Act be amended to enable it and its partners to meet various skill requirements as the power network upgrades continue. 

Line workers undertaking work on overhead power lines were previously on the government's list of ineligible occupations for special permits allowing such technicians from outside the EEA to work in Ireland. (EEA, EU - also includes Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)

It is added that where they cannot source from the European Economic Area as in other European countries, ESB Networks has worked with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to devise a plan to remove line workers from the list of ineligible occupations to support the company's overhead line contracting partners.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment said in an official notification that the legislation has been amended to provide a quota of 100 general work permits for line workers working under contract for ESB networks.

ESB Networks announced earlier this year that it would spend €10bn by 2030 on developing a "smarter and more flexible electricity network".This access to markets outside the EEA will open up alternative labour markets with highly skilled resources to help deliver our work programmes, the ESB said.

To achieve a "Net Zero Ready Distribution Network" by 2040, ESB Networks' "Networks for Net Zero Strategy" aims to develop its in-house engineering capability and continue to "competitively procure" the materials and contractors needed to enable grid connections in 2030 and beyond.