Wind turbine firm to recruit 50 - graduate jobs

An energy firm has created 50 vacancies for skilled workers at its wind turbine factory in Kildare, although they will be spread out over the next three years, so any one of you has a chance of a career in the renewables industry.

Natural Power Company added that it expects to have another 250 vacancies for graduates and others for off-shoot jobs with its suppliers around the region.

Managing director Ross Murphy said the company is the first western European outfit to be appointed as an official producer for Belgian firm Turbowinds NV of the turbines called T500-48 500kW.

He insisted: "This is an important step in establishing Ireland as a leading player in the wind energy industry. The impact of the new facility will be felt not only in our exports but also in the ongoing development of capacity and technical expertise in Ireland."

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness had a meeting with both companies in the Belgian capital Brussels this week. She said: "This is a company at the leading edge in wind and solar energy technology. The development augurs well for the future of the company and indeed for the sector in Ireland."

Turbowinds president Jean-Pierre Dutry said: "Together with the Natural Power Company, we will substantially increase our presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Natural Power Company is a wholly owned Irish company which designs, constructs and maintains wind and solar energy solutions."