Achievements and commitments
Christmas Message from the Chief Executive Padraig McManus
Nollaig shona libh go leir agus guim beannachtai na feile ar mo chomhleacaithe agus a muintir.
My warm good wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.
It is hard to imagine we are 12 months on and that 2009 is already drawing to a close. it has been a remarkable year in so many ways - a time of enormous economic upheaval globally with events that impacted especially hard on ireland and left no business, including our own, unaffected.
We have seen unemployment rise, watched the banking crisis unfold and witnessed a dramatic turnabout in property values. The electricity sector confronted new pressures and ESB is not immune.
But, as a company, we moved to restructure and deal with the evolving new realities. in the face of growing economic need, ESB responded with a further subsidy to the electricity market in order to assist all customers.
We pressed ahead with our investment strategy while streamlining ESB for the day when we can compete freely in the market at home while continuing to develop abroad.
Thanks to your work, expertise and commitment, ESB is maintaining its position as a strong and innovative company. in spite of the recession, indeed, in response to it, we began taking on 800 apprentices and set out plans for significant job-creation in a whole range of areas with rich employment potential smart networks, smart metering and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We financed major home insulation initiatives and energy efficiencies - which also had the effect of creating more jobs.
I take this opportunity to emphasise the role that each and every person in ESB plays in keeping the company successful and to express my deep appreciation to you all. ESB's ethos of social responsibility remains undiminished. Proof of that lies in your voluntary effort behind the Teshie school Project in ghana and your unstinting support for ElectricAid.
Christmas is a season when we hope to find time to rest and enjoy family and friends. inevitably we reflect on the year now coming to an end and those who are no longer with us. For past colleagues and friends, we have a special thought and particularly think of those families who lost loved ones in 2009.
We also send warm Christmas greetings to our retired colleagues who laid the foundations of our success.
May you and your families share a peaceful and contented Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.
