issn no. 0790-7508

The newspaper for Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

Energising rugby esb Electric Page 13

Calling Ghana Volunteers news, page 03

System protection ESB Networks Ltd page i9

SCHOOLS SEE GREENER DAYS AHEAD Pupils from St. Michael’s Infant School in Limerick will enjoy a cosier learning environment 35 year thanks to ESB who carried out cavity wall insulation on the school building as part of its HALO Schools Programme. milestone in Bahrain Much improved Health and ESBI page 21 Safety performance in 2010 8Health and Safety are core values of ESB. We believe that all injuries can be prevented.

We strive to ensure our activi- being introduced and embedded tices. A review of process safety was muted by two fatalities associated ties avoid injury or ill health and we across all businesses in ESB. Lost initiated to examine current controls with our network - one to a con- continue to make progress towards Time Injuries for both staff and con- and reporting arrangements. This tractor and the other to a member our goal of zero injuries. tractors are significantly diminished will conclude during 2011. of the public. In support of this goal a number in number and severity. Near Miss While driving continues to be a Staff health and wellbeing, as In this issue of objectives were established for and Good Catch reporting is in- significant risk generally on public indicated by attendance, is sig- Safety Management, Lost Time In- creasing and all incidents that have roads, the number and severity of nificantly improved in all business n News...... 02. jury Reduction, Incident Reporting, potential for serious harm are in- collisions in ESB has once again areas and Work Positive, an organi- n Services & esb Electric Ireland. . . 09. Risk Assessment, Process Safety, vestigated and the learning shared. decreased. A review of IT systems sational stress risk assessment is be- n ESB Networks Ltd ...... 15. Safe Driving, IT systems and Or- Risk Assessment, the corner stone of that support safety management ing used by businesses to determine n ESB Energy International. . . . 20. ganisational Health. safety and health management, was was carried out with a view to pro- and manage workplace stress. n Externally validated and certified reviewed to ensure all business areas viding a more integrated system. n Health & Habitat...... 28. Feature on page 6 Safety Management Systems are were applying consistent best prac- Sadly this excellent performance is n Life ...... 31. 2 NEWS Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

Letters ESB Schools – Business Partnership Dear Sirs, Editor’s I would like to take this opportunity Michelle Doyle to thank members of staff of the ESB lo- and Maria Greene of ESB interview cal office in Mullingar. pupil Adam Carroll. This day last week there was an inter- desk ruption to our electricity supply in Dal- ton Park. I did not have the opportunity to make other arrangements for my eld- erly mother who lives there and is in need of a nebulizer 4 times a day. One phone call to the 1850 number Anita Rock, ESB Sustainability, Maria Greene and Michelle Doyle with pupils from Rosmini School. bernie and having spoken to a lovely lady there I was then called from the local depot of Rosmini School (Pobalscoil Ros- healy ESB. It was arranged that a cable would mini) was founded in 1970 in north in- Germaine Noonan, co-ordinator of be brought into the house so my mother ner city . Today the school pro- the BITC Schools Programme, believes could get the medication she needed. vides support for students pursuing all it can make a real difference to young Hello and welcome This was very much appreciated. levels of Junior and Leaving Certificate people thinking about their options, “it to the Feb/March edition of EM. We had another power interruption qualification as well as offering special- is very encouraging to see how interest- and my mother had a clinic to attend - we ised support for visually impaired stu- ed students are in engaging with ESB With all the issues that seem to be out of our control at came back armed with our hot coffee to dents. staff about their own ambitions and to present, one of the things we can have an influence over is find a number of yellow trucks in the Rosmini is one of the schools partici- see how much more accessible they per- how we take care of our own well-being. A faster pace of street with staff at work but we still had pating in the Business In the Community ceive qualifications and jobs to be fol- life, stress over finances, worries about jobs for our children power! I then remembered that the nice Ireland Schools’ Business Partnership lowing their participation in the pro- and families – all these things take their toll. More and more lady I spoke to first had told me that my Programme. The Programme links busi- gramme”, she says. we read and hear about organisations such as MABS who mother’s details would be put on a list ness with schools in an effort to encour- Anita Rock, ESB’s co-ordinator, thinks can help in offering people advice on issues around budget- that would flag her as “priority” - I ex- age students to remain in school and the programme provides a great oppor- ing and managing finances. pect this is why we have power and I am complete their education to Leaving tunity for staff as well as students “the EM endeavours to cover as many issues as possible in so grateful for that. Certificate level by introducing them to students in this year’s programme are relation to staff welfare – health, money matters, lifestyle. All too often people will only write to the world of work and college. interested and enthusiastic to learn While this might seem a very wide field, in a lot of cases the complain about a lack of service - I think The 2010/2011 academic year is the about new technologies and to listen to issues that affect most people can often be crystallised it’s only proper to write and thank people sixth year that ESB has been the link experiences of others before stepping into a smaller number which are common across a lot of when things go right also. So could you company for Rosmini School. The Pro- into the world of work themselves. The families. please pass on our thanks to the local gramme run by ESB for the school is fo- programme has been a great experience We in EM publicise a wide range of groups that can offer Mullingar office and in particular to the cused on fifth year students and ele- for everyone involved”. advice in these times – EAP services, Health Services, Fi- crew that worked in Dalton Park. ments of the programme include a From the school’s perspective, the nancial advice, Safety Health & Wellbeing, St. Patrick’s Kind regards and again many thanks chance for students to meet ESB staff programme is a very effective link Credit Union, SPORTSCO and other leisure interests. So if Linda Arnold and learn about their various career from the academic to the business you have a particular topic or question you would like paths and experiences, CV development world giving students an insight into covered please do not hesitate to contact us. We will try, if and mock interview events and a site the world of work that would other- at all possible, to get an answer for you or bring you more visit (this year to Turlough Hill). At the wise be very difficult to replicate. “We information on the subject. Draw results end of each year students give their think that this programme has a posi- Can I also thank the many of you that returned our Read- feedback on how useful and enjoyable tive impact on decisions that students er’s Survey. As well as providing information for us to SPORTSCO December 2010 they have found the programme so that make about completing their educa- further enhance your reading, it will also bring additional DRAW it can be further improved for future stu- tion – they see how qualifications now funds to ElectricAid, so you are helping on the double. The Prize Name, Location dents. The programme is co-ordinated lead to opportunities later and about analysis of the survey will be carried out over the next few €3,000 thomas Cooke, Waterford by Anita Rock, a member of ESB’s Sus- how enjoyable work and college can weeks and we will bring you the results in the next edition €1,500 James Glynn, Retired tainability Team, and supported by staff be” says Philip McElwee, the school’s of EM. €1,000 Nuala Cantillon, Limerick across the company who voluntarily Guidance Counsellor. n €200 aoife Rooney, Clanwilliam give their time during the career day €200 Michael Casey, Retired and site visit events and by Group HR For more information about the BITC Schools’ €200 Gerard Loughnane, Glaway who manage the CV development and Business Partnership contact Anita Rock at ESB €200 Rosanna Mahon, Retired mock interviews. Head Office or visit www.bitc.ie €200 Colm Kavanagh, Retired €200 emer McGowan, Westmeath EM welcomes news, views, articles, Closing date: letters, photos and feedback on any Competitions and crosswords must topic. All submitted articles should be returned by March 16th. SPORTSCO January 2011 preferably be e-mailed. Deadlines: The deadline for articles, DRAW photos, etc. for the next issue is Prize Name, Location Please contact: March 16th. We are always delighted Bernie Healy, Editor to receive items for publication. €3,000 Catherina McManus, T (01) 702 7402 (office) head Office extn. 27402 (internal) Published by Corporate Affairs, ESB. €1,500 John O’Brien, Retired How to make M 087 261 5514 F (01) 676 0727 Produced by €1,000 William Quilliam, ESBI the most of IT internal outlook address: Zahra Publishing Ltd. €200 Gregory Victory, Finglas Healy.Bernie First Floor, Barker House, €200 George Lawlor, Retired by Eddie Nally external email address: Church Road, Greystones, [email protected] Co. Wicklow. €200 Frank Shiel, ESBI E [email protected] €200 Michael Casey, Retired Anne Deignan €200 Angela Cooney, VSS Administrative Assistant www.esb.ie PRODUCT LABELLINGT (01) 702 GUIDE 6282 (office) €200 Patrick Cooney, Head Office extn. 26282 (internal) The views expressed in EM are not M 087 280 6615 (mobile) necessarily those of ESB. F (01) 676 0727 internal outlook address: XX% XX% Deignan.Anne external email address: Cert no. 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19mm E.G. MS4C3O1 www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 NEWS 3 Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender staff in ESB 8ESB - promoting respect & dignity for everyone

ESB respects the individuality orientation or gender identity for portive, non-judgemental, respectful and differences which make up its fear of discrimination, harassment and confidential. staff. We actively promote a positive or harm. Having the freedom to be There is a particular responsibil- working environment, where people themselves removes the burden of ity on managers, supervisors, team Calling Ghana Volunteers! are free to be different and where all having to conceal important parts of leaders, HR, EAP, Payroll and Pen- staff can work without fear of dis- life that are commonly discussed in sions staff to respond sensitively and Volunteers who wish to put person to cover flights, ac- crimination or harassment. the workplace e.g. what you did at appropriately to declarations of civil their names forward for the next commodation, vaccinations and Under the ESB Equal Opportuni- the weekend, discussing a partner’s partnership, and not to reveal such phase of the ElectricAid Ghana visas. n ties and Diversity Code of Practice illness, where one socialises, discuss- personal information to other people Schools refurbishment project are all staff are required to treat each ing holidays and so on. without the LGBT staff member’s now invited to apply. Applications for consideration should be other with respect and dignity. This Even in a supportive workplace, clearly expressed prior permission. The project team is seeking elec- forwarded to Michael O’Connor at Michael. requirement also applies to business disclosure of one’s sexual orientation tricians and painters to travel to Ac- [email protected] by March 31st. contacts, customers and the public. or gender identity is the individual’s Workplace networking cra in early to mid September. Vol- Please include your work location and con- personal choice. If they wish to keep Many workplace cultures still unteers need to raise €2,500 per tact details. Sexual Orientation Equality such personal information private, they wrongly assume that everyone is Like all employees, lesbian, gay, shouldn’t be ‘outed’ by somebody else. heterosexual. In such an environ- bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ment, LGBT employees may believe people want to be accepted and Civil Partnership they are alone in their workplace. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County respected by their employers and There has been huge progress for This can make it difficult for them to work colleagues. They want to work lesbian, gay and bisexual people in meet other LGBT staff to socialise, Council leads by example in an inclusive environment, where Ireland in recent years. There is far receive support or to address indi- sexual orientation is not an impedi- greater visibility of LGB people in vidual or common concerns. ESB and Dún Laoghaire- ment to personal safety, professional many facets of Irish life. The Civil However, LGB and Transgender Rathdown County Council have relationships, promotion prospects Partnership and Certain Rights and people are becoming more visible in joined forces to install Sandy- or career development. Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 many workplaces and professions. ford’s first charge point for elec- A recent TCD / UCD survey of was passed last year with the full There are new professional groups tric vehicles. Dún Laoghaire- LGBT people in Ireland found that support of all parties in the Oireach- for LGBT doctors, nurses, teachers Rathdown County Council almost 30% of LGBT respondents tas. The Act came into effect on 1st and solicitors. A number of organi- has also purchased its first had been harassed in the workplace January 2011. The provisions of the sations and companies now have electric van, which will be because of their sexual orientation Act includes a number of important LGBT employee networks such as used as a fleet vehicle.T he or sexual identity. As a result 57% pension and workplace equality pro- the Gardaí, UCC and IBM. These DLRCC’s Sustainable Travel of the participants concealed their visions for civil partners. LGB and groups act as a proactive, inclusive Officer confirmed, “Dún sexual orientation or gender identity Transgender people are more visible support to LGBT staff. Laoghaire-Rathdown County from some or all of their work col- in many workplaces and professions. By being supportive and ‘coming Council is committed to pro- leagues (‘Supporting LGBT Lives’ Under the Act same-sex couples out’ to their LGBT staff in this and oth- moting and Mayock et al 2009). 9% missed will be able to enter into civil part- er ways, businesses send out the mes- supporting sustainable travel work to avoid such harassment. nerships, with similar rights and re- sage that they promote an inclusive en- within Dún Laoghaire- John Campion, ESB Director sponsibilities to married opposite-sex vironment for LGBT staff, customers, Rathdown”. n Sustainability launches the charge point with David Warrick, Microsoft, One teacher participating in the sur- couples. These include employment business partners and the public. Graham Brennan, SEAI and an vey reported: benefits, tax and pension provisions. ESB is interested in setting up Cathairleach Cllr. Lettie McCarthy. “You cover your private life all the The Act also provides legal protec- such a network for the benefit of its time; you cover it. It is a deadening tions for cohabitants (opposite sex staff. If you wish to help in starting experience not to be ‘out’. You don’t or same-sex) who do not or cannot an LGBT Network in ESB, please talk spontaneously in the staff room marry or enter civil partnership. contact the Equality and Diversity Liam Almack appointed by GoU about your social life. I’m always cen- Equality legislation will now re- Office in confidence at Head Office soring myself. Everyone else talks place the existing term ‘marital Tel. Extn. 27534. Please be assured to Central Partnership Team about their partners. I’ve been in a re- status’ with the new term “civil that if you join or contact this sup- lationship for eight years, and I have status”. It will be illegal to discrimi- port network your privacy will be never once mentioned my partner nate between people on the basis of fully respected. n at school,” she laughs wryly. “I will their ‘civil status’ e.g. that they are bring my partner to my retirement married, a party to a civil partner- do, but it would be nice if I could ship, divorced, widowed, separated, GLEN – the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network bring her to the school before that.” single or a party to a dissolved civil - has recently published an excellent good Bullying, harassment or discrimi- partnership. Furthermore, the defi- practice guide called ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual nation on the ground of actual or nition of ‘member of the family’ in Equality in the Workplace’. It has lots of practical perceived sexual orientation is il- the equality legislation is amended information for employers, trade unions and legal. Tolerating such behaviour has to include civil partners and his/her LGBT employees. It may be accessed via the serious consequences for employers. brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles etc. of following link: http://www.glen.ie/pdfs/Work- Discrimination cases have a high per- civil partners. placeLGBTDiversityGuide.pdf sonal / emotional cost for all involved People who wish to have their For more and can lead to ongoing fractured re- partnerships recognised under the see page lationships. From a business perspec- Act must give 3 months notice to 36 tive alone, such cases are financially- the relevant authorities. As a re- costly, very time-consuming, and sult of this development it is prob- Liam Almack (centre) with Group of Unions Secretary Brendan Ogle and management representative Colm Smyth. damage an organisation’s reputation. able that ESB staff members who haven’t disclosed their sexual iden- Liam Almack has been se- agement representative Colm Being ‘out’ at work tity at work in the past will do so in The next edition of EM will look lected by the Group of Un- Smyth. Liam is well known in For LGBT employees, being “out” the near future. It is therefore very further at the Civil Partnership ions as their representative on trade union circles where he at work simply means that they important that they are able to do Act 2010 and its impact on the Central Partnership Team has been actively engaged at a don’t have to disguise their sexual this in an environment that is sup- Cohabitating Couples. where he will work with man- central level for many years. n 4 NEWS Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em UCD Certificate in Safety and Staff who were conferred with Health at Work Certificates in Safety and Health at Work in 2010 were: Belinda Perry, Corporate Centre Kenneth Bernard Matthews, Energy International Robbie Masterson, Energy International Denis Maher, Energy International Kevin Madden, Energy International At the presentations are back row (l-r): Noar Bairead, Paul Clarke, Colum Grogan, Michelle Montayne, Kathleen Rigney, John Casey, Maurice O’Connor PJ Tymon, Energy International and Brendan McCudden. Front row (l-r): Darina Gallagher, Shared Services, Liam Kitson, Energy International William Phang, Cathleen English, Gary Lawson, Michael Loughnane, Group HR, Ollie Brogan, Acting Executive Director, ESB HR with Dr. Anne Drummond, Seamus Byrne, Energy International Emer McGowan, Michael McDonnell, CIPD, Eugene Dalton, Course Manager, Director of the UCD Centre for Safety and Health at Work; David Dwyer, Manager Marina Hunt, Shared Services and Ray O’Mullane. Missong from photo: Susan Rory O’Sullivan, Energy International Whyte, Terry Nulty, Mary Mangan and Alan Campbell. Centre for Safety, Health at Work UCD; Anna Noble, Course Administrator, Enda McDonagh, Energy International Centre for Safety, Health at Work, Gus Connolly, Manager Safety and Health Services, ESB Networks; Dominic O’Brien, Manager Safety Health, Quality and John Mooney, Energy International Environment, ESB Networks and Dave Dwyer, Manager Production Engineering Enda Harrington, Energy International HRM for Line Managers Generation Operations, Energy International with the entire group of graduates. Liam Boland, ESB Networks Peter Cooney, ESB Networks Successful graduates of the the participants for completing the Matthew Davis, ESB Networks “HRM for Line Managers Programme programme which involves attending Paul Doherty, ESB Networks 2010” were presented with their certifi- workshops and submitting written as- Raymond Eustace, ESB Networks cates at a formal ceremony held in Head signments and a HR research project Kevin Flynn, ESB Networks Office on the 12th of January last. The over an eight month period. He also Michael Fox, ESB Networks programme, which is customised to meet specifically complimented the group Martin Lynch, ESB Networks specific ESB HR needs, is accredited by on the quality of their finished project Con Moloney, ESB Networks the Chartered Institute of Personnel and work. These projects are all based on James Moran, ESB Networks Development (CIPD) and programme HR issues and involve research into Caoimhín Ó Briain, ESB Networks graduates gain Associate Membership of people management practices in ESB. Michael O Sullivan, ESB Networks the Institute on successful completion. Details on the various topics and their David Richardson, ESB Networks. Michael McDonnell, Director Gen- authors will be posted on the Group eral CIPD Ireland, presented the cer- HR website which forms part of the The Graduates who attended the tificates to the seventeen successful increasing knowledge bank on HR that Conferring Ceremony in UCD on participants. In his address he praised this programme is contributing to. n Tuesday, December 7th 2010.

Twenty-six ESB staff were con- Pictured (l-r) Gus

Lives are better, ferred with Certificates in Safety Connolly, Alan Brown thanks to you and Health at Work by Dr. Anne and Dominic O’Brien. ElectricAid is ESB’s social justice fund. It is a registered charity with the aim of improving the quality of life for people in need. It changes lives by contributing to the relief of poverty and emergencies at home and abroad. Didyou know? € Don’t miss ›› A typical 5 per week will produce € Where we stand... a massive 615forpeople need,in at After four years of rapid growth, ElectricAid’s membership and revenue Drummond, Director of the UCD homeand abroad. growth has been relatively flat for two years. We are struggling to bring in new members and the times are not with us. But we should remember € how far we have come and the huge strides that have been made in the 1 per week will also go far, especially in the Developing World. last decade – progress that every member and supporter should take pride in. In 2000 , ElectricAid was reporting a record. Now,year, withafter funding a relatively at flat year, 10 X €5 a week will build a rainwater and 1,700 members . We €0.22 million € and 2,700 members harvesting system in an African school, or put YOUR ELECTRICAID 1.76 million - Centre for Safety and Health at we are reporting funding of on a 3 classroom extension € will buy and train a companion dog are by far the largest and most successful occupationally-based develop 5 a week - for disabled people in Ireland ment agency in Ireland – and a model for the rest of the world. Our unique €5 a week will construct two log bridges for partnership with ESB gives us consistent and generous support and a sta isolated communities in Liberia ble financial base. This allows us to fund many crucial and life–giving €5 a week will train four youth leaders for development projects and to give tens of thousands of the world’s poorest deprived communities in Dublin people the chance to better their own lives. 5 x €5 a week will fund a programme for 200 In 2010 , we funded a record total of 163 development and relief Work, on Tuesday December 7th. socially isolated elderly people in Mayo . Additionally, projects in Ireland and in 47 other countries – a truly€ global1.18 partnership.million €3 a week will feed and pay school fees for a We funded 143 development projects with destitute child in Zimbabwe as a direct result of the generous response of our members and friends to €1 a week will provide a clean water information Flyer our Special Appeals, we were able to fund 20 more€0.58 relief million and recovery. bio-sand filter for a family in Mozambique € will provide a HIV/AIDS projects in Haiti, Pakistan and Chile with 5 x 5 a w e e k None of this is possible without you, our steadfast members and awareness programme for hill people in Thailand 1 0 x €5 a week will fund a national activity supporters. Even in these harder times, the ESB community is outward  programme for children with muscular HR Acting Executive Director Ollie  looking, humane and generous. We salute and thank you all. dystrophy in Ireland

€2 a week will fund a veterinary drug kit to keep cattle healthy in Kenya €3 a week will construct a fish smoker in Kenya, giving 30 widows an income 5 x €5 a week will build two community wells in Niger € a week will provide the full book stock IN THIS ISSUE of em!! 2 x 5 Brogan, attending the conferring cer- for a school library in Mozambique €1 a week will provide a fuel-efficient stove for a vulnerable family in Eritrea 8 x €5 a week will fund sensory and therapy equipment for children with autism in Wexford €4 a week will build a new mud-brick house for a poor family in Kenya emony in ESB Head Office, thanked all those who made the effort to complete the course and congratu- lated them on their achievement. He said, “Putting the knowledge you Jeanette Lowe retires have gained over the last year into After over 30 years with the com- ESB contract for the Czech electricity practice in your own work area will pany, Jeanette Lowe retired from ESB utility. be the ultimate testament to your last August. Jeanette also worked on the first achievements here today”. Jeanette’s ESB career started in company intranet and internet sites, UCD has provided the Certificate 1978 in Dublin North West first in ICT and laterally in in Safety and Health at Work qualifi- District in the Customer Corporate Affairs which cation since 1994. This foundation in Enquiries Section, based she joined in 1999. In Occupational Safety and Health has in Clanwilliam House. this area she worked as provided many ESB staff and man- She moved to Head an on-line communica- agers from different disciplines in the Generation Operations Graduates with Majella Henchion, Manager Safety Office in 1982 to - Cus tions co-ordinator and organisation with a sound apprecia- Production Engineering; Adrian Carroll, Training Manager Generation Operations tomer Relations look- in the development of tion of health and safety principles and Brian MacCoitir, Safety Production Engineering. ing after customer and brand guidelines. and best management practices that stakeholder queries on In 2009, Jeanette was they have transferred successfully to every aspect of elec- seconded for a year to their work environments. Jeanette receiving a tricity service. After presentation from her the Health and Safety UCD also provides advanced edu- two years in this role, manager Kristin Quinn Authority. Working with cation and qualifications in Safety Jeanette took a year’s and Company Secretary their Education Unit, she and Health at work. During 2010, leave of absence and John Redmond. led the development of Alan Brown, of Networks, graduated travelled to the States with Tony, who their website and managed their Keep with a Higher Diploma in Safety, was later to become her husband. Safe Programme. Health and Welfare at Work from Starting back in ESB, Jeanette was An active member of SPORTS- UCD. in Customer Accounting and also un- CO, a keen golfer and tennis The UCD Certificate in Safety and dertook a marketing course in DIT. player Jeanette is going on to Health at Work for ESB is organised In the early 1990s, Jeanette started pursue her love of photography. each year by Gus Connolly, Brian training with ITS as a programmer. She is also an avid traveller. We MacCoitir and Adrian Carroll. The She combined her experience of cus- wish her and Tony many years 2011 programme has begun already tomer service with her newly acquired of health and happiness into the with a further 26 staff participating IT skills and worked in Prague on an future. n in this excellent course. n ESB Networks Graduates with Gus Connolly and Dominic O’Brien. www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 NEWS 5 Diary of an Staff Sustainability ecar trial participant – awareness and Michael Lyons attitudes overview Santa arrived early for the Lyons family when we took deliv- Following the launch of the and energy efficient behaviours per- ery of the ESB ecar in November. Company Strategic Framework to sonally. (high level results are set out Just like a child at Christmas, I have 2020 the newly formed Sustainabil- in table one). Joan Freeman, Pieta House; James Foley, ElectricAid; Mark Lloyd, The Blue been enjoying all this car has to offer. Box; Una Gately, President of the local SVP conference in City Quay and Br. ity Team conducted a survey of ESB ESB staff are also well-informed After being selected as a participant Kevin of the Capuchin Order. staff in 2008 to gauge awareness of about sustainability issues, with in the ESB ecar trial, in November and attitudes towards environmen- improvements being recorded in I began my four-month stint with tal, energy efficiency and resource knowledge of every aspect of the is- the Mitsubishi iMiEV. The ESB ecar Keeping the spirit of management issues. sue, as set out in Table two. has been a fantastic addition to our Given that the success of the stra- Commenting on the survey re- modes of transport and one that has tegic framework is dependent to a sults, Sustainability Executive Di- been embraced by the whole family. Christmas alive large extent on buy-in from staff, the rector John Campion said he was The ecar itself is a joy to drive with its The annual switch on of the Christmas initial survey provided important in- greatly encouraged by the results. automatic transmission, smooth take lights took place in HO on Thursday, sights into the depth of staff under- “It is very encouraging to see the ex- off and ability to accelerate quickly. 9th December. For the last 2 years standing of sustainability issues and tent to which staff both understand The ecar punches with the best of this event has centred around a special set out a roadmap of the initial work and support our strategy. Awareness them. The very idea of charging a car donation by ElectricAID Ireland to a that needed to be undertaken, par- of the issues is also leading to real in a manner similar to that of a mo- number of charities who find it -par ticularly in terms of staff education changes in individual behaviours, bile phone and bypassing the garages ticularly difficult at this time of year. and communication. both at home and in work. On the makes this car a winner with all of This year the Sustainability Champions In late 2010, an important half- basis of these survey results I believe us. The ecar had barely graced our also arranged a ‘Giving Tree’ event and way milestone in terms of our jour- we are well on track to building a driveway when it encountered the the gifts and food items donated were ney towards the achievement of our truly sustainable and efficient cul- first major hurdle: SNOW! The ecar presented to the St. Vincent DePaul 2012 targets to reduce our carbon ture within our company. I am very passed with flying colours proving to Society. The other groups who received footprint by 30%, a second survey pleased also, that with the launch of be very effective and efficient as we donations were The Blue Box Charity dealing with many of the same sus- the Articulate Sustainability Train- negotiated the slippery conditions. in Limerick which works with children tainability issues was undertaken. ing Course, we are able to support in disadvantaged areas, Pieta House This survey provides us with an in- staff with the type of easily acces- which works in the area of suicide pre- sight into the changing attitudes to- sible information that is triggering With the help of some of the younger vention and Fr. Kevin’s Capuchin Fri- guests, Chief Executive Padraig wards sustainability in the two years real behavioural change. Of course, ary initiative which feeds hundreds of McManus, switches on the lights of since the 2008 benchmark, and also there are challenges ahead, but this homeless on a daily basis in Dublin. n the Christmas Tree in the HO Foyer. informs our planning for the period is a very positive outcome for us and from now to 2012. represents an important milestone Headline results from the survey on our journey.” are very positive and indicate that Presentations on the survey re- MADSOC presents ESB staff are both well informed sult are being given throughout the and supportive of the company’s organisation and you can also see a Mad About Musicals strategic ambition and have also em- summary of the results on the sus- Michael Lyons, trial participant with his Mitsubishi iMiEV ecar. braced many positive environmental tainability esbnet site. n

The ecar has been a big hit with my wife, Christine, who has included an ecar on her wish list for 2011. Chris- tine uses the car for commuting to and from work and in all aspects of her daily routine. I’m sure she’s not looking forward to parting with the The cast of ‘Mad about Musicals’ prior to rehearsal. ecar in March. Finally, with the years catching up MADSOC is up and running. love. There will be songs from, on me, it’s a great feeling to be able Rehearsals are underway for the Wicked, Chess, Ragtime, South to turn heads as I navigate around March 6th production of “Mad Pacific. Les Mis, Jesus Christ Su- Carlow, even if it’s the ecar doing the About Musicals” at the National perstar, as well as popular classics head turning! Concert Hall. With Musical Di- by Stephen Sondheim and Kander Table One, Level of agreement with high level statements on sustainability The ecar will be making an ap- rector Gay Kirwan in charge, and Webb. You won’t want to miss Agree / Change pearance in Bishop Foley’s National ESB’s singing talent has been it! Tickets are now available. Book Statement Strongly from 2008 School, as well as the 5th Carlow gathering over the last few weeks on-line at WWW.NCH.IE or phone Agree Result Scout Unit and in the St. Patrick’s to put together a show you will the Box Office at 01 417000n ESB Sustainability initiatives have positively 62% 55% Day Parade in the coming weeks. n impacted my energy saving behaviours more so Improvement than any external factor (eg rising fuel prices, TV campaigns etc) I have noticed improvements in energy efficiency 65% 124% Public Charge Points at my workplace in the last 12 months Improvement My own approach to energy saving at work has 69% 15% go live in city improved in the last 12 months Improvement I am adequately informed on how to be energy 57% 14% centre and Cork IT efficient at work Improvement The amount of waste produced in my work location 53% 17% The rollout of charge points nation- has decreased in the last year Improvement wide is progressing with ecar charge Right: Jerry O’Sullivan, As an employee, I am supportive of ESB’s 93% Not asked Managing Director ESB sustainability programme in 2008 points installed on the South Mall, Networks Ltd. with the Lord Glanmire Road and at the Cork Insti- Mayor of Cork, Councillor The sustainability programme has the potential to 71% Not asked tute of Technology. n Michael O’Connell. support our brand externally in 2008 Table Two: Understanding of sustainability issues

2-8_EM_Feb-Mar_News V4.indd 5 2/2/11 12:14:42 6 NEWS Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em Much improved Health and Safety performance in 2010 - A review of Safety and Health in ESB 2010

Staff LTI’s by Business Unit ESB Group 2010 LTI’s

5

4 Corporate Centre

3 Services and ESB Electric Ireland 2 ESB Networks 1 ESB Energy International 0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Figure 3

Diagram 1 Contractor LTI’s by Business Unit ESB Group 2010 LTI’s

5

4 Corporate Centre

3 Services and ESB Electric Ireland 2 ESB Networks 1 ESB Energy International 0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Figure 4

Continued from page 1 ness, third party injury, occupation- 2010 safety and health each Directorate and projects the and Wellbeing Coordinators in each al injury and absent without leave) improvement objective growth of OHSAS 18001 over the business is continuing to promote Overview reduced from 58,000 in 2008 to The following initiatives were next 2 years. (See figure 1) the uptake by staff of cardiovas- 2010 was a really significant year 42,507 in 2010. This equates to an targeted during 2010 to assist the cular health screening, bowel can- regarding improvements in staff average of 6.56 days per person or safety and health improvement ob- Maintain focus on delivering cer screening, flu vaccination, quit safety and health at work in ESB. a 20% improvement on our 2008 jective of zero injuries and a 5% 2the health and wellbeing pro- smoking advice and other cam- There were 28 Lost Time Injuries outcome. reduction in unscheduled absen- gramme with an emphasis on or- paigns aimed at improving their (LTI) to staff and 15 LTIs to Con- In public safety there were no teeism: ganisational and personal stress. health and that of their families. tractors during that period. This fatalities in relation to Road Traf- Continue with implementation To date we have used ‘Work Posi- Statistics from the above pro- exceptional performance is muted fic Collisions involving ESB fleet 1of OHSAS 18001 throughout tive’, the HSA tool for identifying grammes are shown in the follow- however by the death of a timber or that of our contracting partners. ESB businesses and maintain certi- and managing organisational stress, ing table which compares 2010 cutting contractor working on be- However one member of the pub- fication at all accredited locations. for stress risk assessment. The tool findings with the 2008/09- pro half of ESB Networks last May. He lic died in an incident involving the Our goal is that all businesses will has been used in Customer Supply, gramme. Significant improvements was fatally injured when his ex- attempted theft of copper from an have an externally validated and ESBI, Corporate Centre, parts of are noted in relation to weight, tended pole saw came in contact ESB metering substation in Naas. certified safety management - sys Shared Services and Power Gen- Triglycerides, and exercise. Areas with an overhead live 20kV line in He had made contact with a live tem by the end of 2011. Due to eration. During the year it was ex- requiring further monitoring and Cratloe, Co. Clare. This was the first 10kV conductor. Two members of significant organisational changes tended to remaining parts of Ser- awareness programmes are blood contractor fatality since 2005. the public were also fatally injured in both Networks and Services and vices and piloted in some parts of pressure, stress and bowel cancer Staff health as measured by un- on the customers’ side of the meter. Electric Ireland this is likely to ex- Networks. screening. (See figure 2) scheduled absenteeism has also im- Lost Time Injuries to staff and tend into 2012. The graph below ESB Health Services, supported by proved significantly in the last two contractors as well as being less shows the progress made to date in our EAP officers and our Health Reduce both staff and contrac- years. The number of days lost due in number are also less in severity 3tor LTIs by to unscheduled absenteeism (sick- than in previous years. ESB Health Screening 2010 (2008-2009) a. Refreshing the safety leader- Test Offered to Availed of % Availed of ship approaches currently in place. Safety Leadership workshops were General Health Screening 3180 (3387) 1196 (1518) 38%* (45%) held with the Executive Director OHSAS 18001 Percentage Implementation Bowel Cancer Screening 4227 (2118) 1668(1367) 39% (65%) ineach Business (headcount) Team and Senior Management Seasonal Flu Immunisation 6848 (7044) 1138**(929) 12% (13%) Safety Auditing training took place Projected * Programme continued into March 2011, ** Includes retired staff and spouses 100 in a number of businesses. b. Testing new methodologies to 80 Health Screening key findings Networks (3000) improve behaviours. Energy Inter- 60 ESB Energy 52% overweight (66%) 16% smokers (14%) International (2000) national is developing a personal 60% normal BP (37%) 20% stress (12%) 40 Services and ESB awareness programme. The aim of Electric Ireland (1000) 30% borderline tryglicerides/ 20 Corporate 20% raised BP (12% High BP) the programme is to encourage staff Centre (150) cholesterol (34%) to improve their level of conscious- 0 22% insufficient exercise (29%) 7% tryglicerides raised (12%) 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 ness of the safety hazards in their 12% raised Cholesterol (14%) 10% excessive alcohol (10%) environment and couple it with Figure 1 Figure 2 the practice of dynamic risk assess- www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 NEWS 7

ments. Networks are implementing the Code of Best Practice on Safe LTI Severity Rating (S1-S3) (Staff & Contractors) Results Road Traffic Collision Severity - De Behaviours. This is a shared Union/ scription Management set of principles for 1 x Electrocution 1 x Staff Safety Class A. Serious or potentially seri- Quad bike 2 x unexpected safe working in Networks. movement/machinery 3 x Falls from Height, 2 x Electricty, The number of Lost Time Injuries ous injury e.g. van overturning or 2 x Unexpected movement, 2 x c. Focusing on slip and trip preven- Falling Object, 1 x RTC to staff fell from 43 in 2009 to 28 in major head-on collision) lost time 6 x slips & trips, 3 x falls 10 tion. Targeted campaigns focused from height, 3 x lifting, x S1 2010. This is the most significant im- injuries, or fatality. 2 x tools & Eqpt, 1 x scald, 10 x Handling, 8 x Slips & Trips, 3 x provement since 2006.. The break- Class B. Material damage not likely on stair safety (Customer Supply 1 x inhalation of dust RTC, 3 x Tools & Eqpt, obj and ESBI), winter walking (Cor- 4 x S1 29 x S2 down by business area can be seen to have potentially serious. Interme- 18 x Slips & Trips, 15 x 16 x S2 11 x slips & trips, porate Centre and Networks), and 51 x S3 Handling. 8 x Tools & Eqpt, in the accompanying chart. (See fig- diate injury. Minor injury e.g. cuts, 6 x tools & eqpt, 3 x 24 x S3 5 x Unexpected movement Safety Audits and Near Miss/ Good handling, 2 x falls from ure 3) scratches, bruises to major Material 150 Minor height, 1 x striking, 199 Catch programmes in each busi- Injuries Minor injuries damage is in excess of €2,000.00 ness. 4844 Near Miss/ Contractor Safety Class C. Minor material damage e.g. 3575 d. Developing an ergonomics pro- Good Catch Near miss Good Catch Contractor Lost Time Injuries fell no potential injury to people Minor gramme to reduce Musculoskeletal 2010 2009 dramatically in 2010 to 15 from 43 e.g. Broken Mirror Material damage Disorders. A group policy on Ergo- in 2009. While this is an excellent is less than €2,000.00 nomics was developed. This aims Figure 5 outcome the decreased level of con- There has been a steady reduction to ensure that manual handing and tractor activity during the year did in collisions involving ESB fleet ve- VDU Workstation use, the common have some impact. The breakdown hicles since 2005. The trend is posi- causes of work related musculosk- by business area and month can be tive thought the number of class A eletal disorders will be appropri- Collision severity (ESB staff) seen in the accompanying chart. collisions remains high at 19. None ately assessed and controlled and Fleet (See figure 4) of these collisions resulted in fatalities Fatalities Class A Class B Class C that all back injury cases will be or Lost Time Injuries. The Safe Driv- Commercial 0 19 23 158 effectively managed. Lost Time Incident Severity ing Programme 2009 – 2011 aims to e. Implementing the recommenda- Grey (private Lost Time Incident severity has de- reduce class A collisions by 50%. This cars on ESB 0 0 0 0 tions of the Contractor Safety Re- creased significantly for both staff and means that by the end of 2011 the business) view 2009. An Executive Director contractors. The following chart com- number of Class A collisions in fleet sponsored programme includes the Figure 6 pares the number and severity of all vehicles should be below 10. appointment of a group coordina- LTIs and Fatalities to both staff and tor to oversee the implementation assessment policy and guidance to infrequent the damage is usually contractors. It also shows the reduc- Absenteeism and Ill-health of the recommendations consis- facilitate ease of use. Review exist- catastrophic. Process safety risks tion in minor injuries and the increase We have set an objective of reduc- tently across ESB. Significant work ing forms to ensure they are easy exist in both Energy International in Near Miss/ Good Catch reporting. ing absenteeism by 15% over three has been completed particularly to use. and Networks. This cross director- (See figure 5) years from 2008. in Networks in relation to smaller b. Address shortfalls in awareness ate review of existing controls and The graph below shows the im- contractors and also the simplifica- and competence. Everybody in indicators for managing process Road Safety provement achieved to date. The sig- tion of documentation and engage- ESB to get basic training in Risk safety risks is sponsored by an Ex- Road Traffic Collisions nificant improvements achieved dur- ment. Assessments. Formal risk assess- ecutive Director. Background stud- A total of 200 collisions were report- ing 2009 and 2010 are a result of a Improve classification of safety ment training for all who complete ies have taken place in both Gen- ed to the ESB Safe Driving Bureau combination of factors including the 4incidents to increase knowledge risk assessments. Provide specialist eration Operations, ESBI O&M during 2010. All of these were from effect of Voluntary Severance in Q4 and risk management. A Group In- support for sensitive groups risk as- and in Networks. The project will commercial fleet vehicles in ESB ‘09 and Q1 ’10, the implementation cident Reporting Policy was devel- sessments. continue into 2011. Networks and Telecoms Services. of the ESB Attendance Policy, oped during the year. This clarifies c. Ensure that staff at all levels are (See figures 6 & 7) improvement in hand hygiene as a what each type of safety incident is involved in RA. Insist that all staff Continue implementation of result of the Flu pandemic pro- and how it should be reported and participate in risk assessments. 7 the Safe Driving programme gramme, and generally observed de- recorded. All incidents that result in Emphasise hazard identification at 2009 – 2011. This Executive Di- crease in absenteeism during eco- physical injury to individuals must individual level. Provide guidance rector sponsored programme nomic downturns. (See Figure 8) n be recorded on CARS, the Corpo- information to staff on relevant continued its rollout. Incidents rate Accident recording System. All risk assessments. involving road transport have con- Lost Time Injuries must be report- d. Learn / Unlearn / Relearn. In- tinued to decrease in severity and “ ESB Fleet Collision analysis 2005 – 2010 ed to the Chief Executive within vestigate all Lost Time Injuries to numbers. 24 hours of their occurrence. All ensure that appropriate learning 158 23 19 incidents whether or not they in- is applied. Each business to review Review IT systems that sup- 160 19 23 cur personal injury, property dam- its own risk assessment process to 8port safety management. There 2009 age or loss are classified as either ensure it is appropriate. Implemen- are currently 37 systems in use to 178 36 19 S1-S3, relating to the actual degree tation of agreed safe actions are a assist safety management in ESB. 2007 163 49 19 of severity of the incident or P1-P3 function of line management. Some are common like CARS, Cor- 195 151 20 YEAR 2005 relating to the potential degree of porate Safety Audits, and PHR but 185 60 39 severity. Full details on the policy Undertake a review of Process many are business specific or even are available on the policy section 6Safety in the relevant business person specific. A review of exist- 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 of esbnet. areas. Process safety is the pre- ing systems and business needs Complete vention of major incidents arising was conducted during 2010. It con- Number of Collisions 5the review of from the sudden and uncontrolled cluded that 3 projects were needed Class C Class B Class A risk assessment release of dangerous substances to bring ESBs Safety Management in ESB. A cross during their production, storage System in line with best practice. Figure 7 company review or handling. These include hazard- These are: of Risk Assessments was undertak- ous chemicals, energy or other po- a. Knowledge Management and ESB Staff absenteeism 2001 – 2010 en by a project group sponsored by tentially dangerous materials that collaboration 10 100000 an Executive Director.. The review can have serious effects on people, b. Better reporting Initiative and ✦ ✦ 80000 9 ✦ established the level of staff involve- plant or environment and can neg- c. The implementation of a Cor- ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ 60000 ment and understanding of risk as- atively affect efficiency, productiv- porate Environmental Health and 8 ✦ sessments, examples of good risk ity and corporate image. Examples Safety system. ✦ 40000 7 assessment templates and a need of famous Process Safety Incidents The project will extend to 2013. 20000 Total days lost Lost days/employee Lost for general awareness and advanced include the BP Texas City explo- 6 6.56 0 risk assessment skills for key staff. sion in 2005, the BP Deepwater 2001 The recommendations from the Horizon blowout in the Mexican Compiled by Ronan Collier, 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 project group are as follows: Gulf 2010, and the Union Carbide Corporate Safety, Health Lost days/employee ✦ Total days lost a. Demystify and simplify Risk As- toxic gas release in Bhopal in 1984. and Wellbeing Coordinator, sessments. Develop a group risk While process safety incidents are Group HR. Figure 8 8 NEWS Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

ESB is working with Micro- Microsoft initiates soft to install a charge point and ecar charging system at the com- Science Gallery pany’s Sandyford offices as part Smarter Travel Scheme of its Smarter Travel initiative for staff. David Warrick of Microsoft competition winner Ireland said, “As part of Microsoft’s Smarter Travel Week, where we are encouraging employees to take en- vironmentally friendly sustainable modes of transport to work, we are delighted to announce that in partnership with the ESB we will be installing an electric car charge point in the building for our em- The Nissan LEAF charging point outside Microsoft Ireland’s offices in Sandyford ployees”. n Business Park in Dublin.

Departed friends Appreciation Name Bridget Lovett Location Departed Property & Facilities 24/11/2010 Dominic Murtagh Patricia Jansson Stephen O’Brien Dominic Murtagh joined ESB in Marina Station 12/11/2010 South West Network Services 10/12/2010 1947 and worked in Fleet Street (l-r): Dervla O’Flaherty, ESB ecars and Dermot Daly of Tapadoo at the Margaret Nolan Charles Kelleher until he was promoted to Indus- announcement of the Science Gallery’s Green Machine Awards. Dublin Central & South South West Network Services 13/12/2010 trial Relations in the 1970s where Networks 13/11/2010 Helen Ashe he spent the rest of his ESB work- The lucky winner of the Elec- the general public could rent ecars ing life. Dominic passed away just tric Dreams competition was an- for short-term usage, similar to the Sidney Gregory Payments, Dublin 8/12/2010 after Christmas. nounced on Friday December 17th ‘Dublinbikes’ scheme. The ecar ap- North West Networks 09/11/2010 Anna McEllinn Everyone who knew Dominic at the Science Gallery awards. This plication combines the data from Michael Reidy Midland & West recognised the remarkable indi- competition, with ESB ecars, in- the smart charging stations, the car Network Services 17/12/2010 Ardnacrusha 08/09/2010 vidual that he was. He was me- vited visitors to Science Gallery to itself and the user’s social network- Mona Kelly John Byrne ticulous in his attitude to his job come up with a perfect mobile app ing accounts to provide the user Mid West Network Services 02/11/2010 Coolock 17/12/2010 and was addicted to quality in all for ecars. with a ‘fully connected’ experience. Gary Ivory Maureen Frawley aspects of his life. A countryman The winning entry from Dermot Dermot won the use of an ecar for North Wall Station 18/11/2010 Ardnacrusha 23/11/2010 born and bred, he spurned im- Daly of Tapadoo considers the use a month and he will also participate Agnes Duffy Patrick Reilly ported fuel and for as long as he of ecars as a public service, whereby in the ESB ecar trial. n Midland & West Network Services 21/11/2010 Lanesboro Station 11/12/2010 could he cut and reared his own Veronica Kavanagh Arthur Simpson turf above Glencree. He loved Dublin Central & South Networks 13/11/2010 ESBI 19/12/2010 classical music – his 78s and LPs Owen Byrne Peggy Everitt included Caruso, Ponselle, Gigli, Schools Sustainability Dublin Central & South Networks 21/11/2010 Donegal Stations 18/12/2010 Tebaldi and Martinelli. He could spend hours at the keyboard John Shinnors Martin Foley playing his favourite composers. DVD available now Ardnacrusha 12/11/2010 Ballycoolin 14/12/2010 He always liked to drive a good Denis O’Donovan Pat McNelis car and for many years he drove South West Network Services 18/12/2010 Midland & West a Citroen DS – one of the great The ESB Sustainability DVD Network Services 25/11/2010 Anne Rowley classic cars. developed for use in primary Erika Gallagher Dublin Central & South, He admired everything French schools is now available. The Dublin Central & South Networks 25/11/2010 Networks 25/12/2010 – the culture, the history, the cui- DVD, which incorporates video Christopher (Sonnie) Gibson Dominic Murtagh sine, the wines, the country itself clips and games, explains issues Dublin Central & South Networks 27/11/2010 HR & Training 28/12/2010 and he learned to speak the lan- in relation to climate change and Jim Navin Catherine O’Callaghan guage fluently, albeit with a touch renewable energy in a clear and South East Networks 28/11/2010 South West Network Services 1/1/2011 of a Cavan accent. He spent four accessible way. n Paddy Meenaghan Paddy Moloney weeks every June at Cap d’Agde Midland & West Networks 28/11/2010 Midland & West Network Services 1/1/2011 in the South of France where he If you are making presentations to was at home with the language schools or other groups of young people Nora Healy Tom Haugh and the culture and where he and would like a copy of the DVD and ac- Lee/Iniscarra 22/11/2010 District Manager 4/1/2011 could indulge another of his en- companying explanatory booklet, please Annie Ryan Helen McCarthy thusiasms – swimming in warm sea email [email protected]. Cahirciveen Station 15/12/2010 Milltown Malbay Generating Station 27/11/2010 water for hours on end – a luxury John Ryan Dolores Healy he could not enjoy for the same Milltown Malbay Property & Facilities 15/12/2010 length of time at the Forty Foot Generating Station 28/11/2010 Vera Mitchell during the rest of the year. He Patrick Morgan North West Network Services 17/12/2010 loved to cook and with Marie en- Dublin North & Dundalk Networks 27/11/2010 Maurice O’Hara tertained regularly. Mary Davis Dublin Region Central 5/12/2010 He bore his year long illness Dublin Central & South Networks 29/11/2010 Robert O’Riordan with extraordinary fortitude. “His Norah Lacey Great Island Station 18/12/2010 equanimity in the face of his de- Midland & West Network Services 04/12/2010 Albert Morris mise was staggering and obviously the result of his deep Christian Please keep a n e y e o u t f o r tiatives across the business. Elizabeth McGrath EDSR/ Civil and Structural 14/12/2010 conviction.” our Corporate Communications Thanks to everyone that took Capital Works Trans Asset 28/11/2010 Joseph Ruddy Our condolences to Marie and Updates on ESBNet. These are is- the time to give us constructive Catherine Crosse Midland & West Network Services 6/1/2011 to their children, Carmel, Mary, sued on a regular basis with the feedback on our recent update Andy Feeney Midland & West Lorcan, Brendan and Nuala and objective of providing background and if there are any questions or Network Services 17/11/2010 Midland & West Network Services 7/1/2011 the grandchildren. Dominic will be and context to media coverage of feedback relating to any corporate John Herrity Nancy Doyle missed by all who knew him. n ESB issues and keeping you in- communications issues please do Midland & West Network Services 07/12/2010 Allenwood Station 9/1/2011 formed of internal and external not hesitate to get in contact with communications activities and ini- us. n Feb/March 2011 www.esb.ie/em 9 Household Budget Services and ESB Electric Ireland Scheme winner Household Budget Page 14 Scheme winner A new name for Energy Solutions now set about building a reputation for our new brand. Ultimately, what our customers experience must align The announcement in De- with what we portray through our cember of ‘Electric Ireland’ as the marketing communications. Our peo- new brand name for ESB’s Energy ple are key to making this a great Solutions business was an important brand and success will be measured step and one of a number of require- by our customers choosing ‘Electric ments necessary for ESB to receive Ireland’ as the energy supplier that de- regulatory freedom to compete in livers great choice and value to them. the residential electricity market in Our ambition is to build a brand the . that will successfully position our There have been many changes in business as the leading energy serv- the energy market over the past few ices provider in the competitive all years and competition has intensi- island energy market. Our new fied significantly. We look forward brand will build a reputation found- Electric Ireland Manager Liam Molloy and SVP National Director Kieran Murphy. to receiving regulatory freedom in ed on providing a rewarding and in- the residential market and being novative energy experience for our able to offer choice to customers customers, both now and in the fu- with new product offerings includ- naming competition. ESB staff from ture. Our new identity and logo in €1 million ESB ing a gas offer; all aimed at giving across the organisation submitted time will symbolise the achievement our customers choice and value. more than 1,100 name ideas and in of this ambition. The announcement of this new the process helped to raise €11,000 Our new brand identity and logo donation to SVP name also heralded a significant mile- for ElectricAid Ireland. While no is aimed at bringing life to our new stone in the integration of ESB’s three one individual suggested the select- brand, and will now be rolled out businesses; ESB Customer Supply, ed name, staff inputs played an im- through bills, our website, adver- annual appeal ESB Independent Energy and ESB portant role in informing the nam- tising campaigns and sponsorship Energy Services, to form a single en- ing process. All those who submitted programmes. We will be putting the ergy supply and services business. suggestions were entered in a draw existing brand name along with our nationally by 35% and in some and thirty lucky winners each re- new na me on all customer com mu n i- regions, calls to regional offices ‘Electric Ireland’ ceived shopping vouchers to the cations from February until the end are up 50%. In these circumstanc- We have chosen this name because it value of €100 for the ESB Online of the year. The purpose of this dual The Society of St Vincent de es we would encourage people to describes clearly who we are and the Store. branding phase is to help customers Paul (SVP) received a welcome continue to make much needed service we provide to the people of The selection of a name of course is become familiar with and transition boost to its annual appeal with donations, as there are so many Ireland. Under this new name we only one component and we must easily to our new name. n a €1 million donation from ESB people in need throughout the look forward to delivering great val- just before Christmas. country.” ue and choice to you and all our cus- Winners of staff naming Ronan Collier, Corporate Centre SVP National President Maire- Speaking about ESB’s dona- tomers. The ESB Networks brand competition draw Dave Carey, Networks ad Bushnell said the charity was tion, Electric Ireland Manager will continue to provide the networks Joop Seebus, ICT Group Claire O’Brien, Corporate Centre delighted to accept this donation Liam Molloy said, “In view of the services to all of our customers and Susan McNicholl, Energy Andrew O’Connell, Energy International from ESB. “It will help make a particularly challenging times there will be no change to this. International Brendan McCarthy, real and valuable difference to that families and individuals are Very impactful individually, but Derek Ball, ESB Electric Ireland Donal Walsh, Energy Energy International families and individuals who are dealing with at the moment, ESB when combined the words ‘Electric’ International Brendan Barry, Energy struggling in these tough times,” is making an immediate contribu- and ‘Ireland’ deliver a very strong Bernadette Comerford, ESB International she said. tion of €1 million to St. Vincent brand name – a name to which ESB Electric Ireland Flor McCarthy, Networks Carmel O’Connor, The donation was used to de Paul’s Annual Appeal to help can lay claim, given our reputation Paul O’Connor, Energy Networks provide much needed basics for assist those in need. The current for delivering electricity to the peo- International David Murphy, Energy Catherina McManus, families to help them get through cold weather is placing extra ple of Ireland for many years. This International Corporate Centre Christmas and the remaining stress on families, especially so name demonstrates our support for Chloe Kinsella, Energy Caroline Kinsella, winter months. close to Christmas, so we hope the vision for International Networks Brian Carson, Energy Mairead noted that ESB has a our contribution will provide where electricity will increasingly Anthony Connolly, International long history of working with SVP some further relief to those most become the primary source of en- Networks James Foley, Services with particular focus on helping in need.” ergy in the future. This trend is al- Alan Daisey, ESB Electric Ireland and advising consumers on stay- The SVP is the largest direct ready emerging with the increasing David O’Neill, Networks ing well and warm over the win- non-profit charitable organisa- role of electricity in the transport Daryn Hughes, Services ter months. She added, “In this tion in Ireland, giving hope to and home heating sectors. Anthony Kearns, current cold spell, both organisa- many individuals and families We believe that ‘Electric Ireland’ Networks Brian Gray, Energy tions cannot over emphasise the who are experiencing poverty, demonstrates a sense of ‘positive en- International need to stay warm and safe. loneliness and despair in every ergy’ and we intend to demonstrate Adrian Harney, Networks “This generous contribution local community throughout the this to our customers in the way we Caitlin Neary, ESB Electric reflects the great response from country. n deliver a great service experience. Ireland the public to our 2010 Annual The selection of our new name Catherine Hughes, ESB Electric Ireland Liam Molloy, Manager Electric Ireland Appeal. Calls for assistance to To make a donation to the SVP please log ‘Electric Ireland’ was informed by a Ray Aherne, Networks making the draw. the SVP this year have increased onto www.svp.ie/appeal or give locally. very successful company wide staff 10 SERVICES and ESB ELECTRIC IRELAND Feb/Mar 2011 /em ‘Great Christmas Concert’ New ESB prize for History of Science awarded at sponsored by ESB NUI Maynooth and French horn player Joseph Ryan, who was winner of the Yamaha Brass Bursary. The 2010 ESB Feis Ceoil winners were given the opportunity to make their debut with an orches- tra on the stage of the National Concert Hall through ESB’s spon- s o r s h i p o f T h e ‘ G r e a t C h r i s t m a s Concert’. Through the great experience of competing in the ESB Feis Ceoil highly talented young Irish (l-r): Brid Horan, Executive Director, Services and Electric Ireland, Mark Irwin, Muireann Ni Dhubhghaill, Joseph Ryan and Imelda Drumm at the Great Christmas players and singers are helped Award winner Eoin Flanagan with Ollie Brogan, Acting Executive Director, HR. Concert held in the National Concert Hall. on their way to an international career. Energy International Generation SERVICES ESB sponsored the ‘Great concert featured winners from Also featured at the concert Operations, guided students on their Christmas Concert’ presented by the ESB Feis Ceoil 2010 competi- was Imelda Drumm who, as a field trips to Turlough Hill and Pou- the Dublin Choral Foundation at tion, including senior flute win- student, won many of the major An inaugural ESB prize and a laphouca. the National Concert Hall on ner Muireann Ní Dhubhghaill, vocal competitions in the Feis silver medal for best project in the Presenting the award, Acting Ex- Wednesday December 8th. The tenor solo winner Mark Irwin Ceoil. n BA History of Science Module (His- ecutive Director HR, Ollie Brogan, tory of Electricity) at NUI Maynooth said he believed the course was im- was won by Eoin Flanagan. portant as it would lead to improved The prize was sponsored by ESB historical research providing valu- ESB Electric Ireland Feis in support of a newly-developed his- able detail on and analysis of major tory module examining the origins engineering and technological de- and development of electricity in Ire- velopments in the electricity sector. Ceoil 2011 April 4th – 15th land from the 1920s to the present. Ollie pointed out that, as well as the Dr Cathal Coleman, formerly of Shannon Scheme, ESB had also pio- on Tuesday April 5th in the RDS ESB, designed and delivered the neered major engineering projects Concert Hall, Ballsbridge. course and Professor Marion Lyons, such as the Turlough Hill Pumped Head of History Department NUI Storage Scheme in the Wicklow GALA CONCERT Maynooth, thanked ESB, and HR Mountains, rural electrification and National Convention Centre, Executive Director Luke Shinnors in more recently, the development of Dublin, 7.30pm, particular, for sponsoring the prize. the Moneypoint -fired generat- Clare Lee (8) who won 1st prize in the John Saturday April 16th She said she was delighted to wel- ing station. Finucane Cup in ESB This final concert will be attend- come Accounting Services & Group In response, Professor Lyons con- Feis Ceoil. ed by the President of Ireland, Heritage Manager Malcolm Alexan- gratulated Eoin Flanagan on an ex- Mary McAleese, Patron of Feis der to the award ceremony. cellent project that traced the histo- Ceoil Association and will also She also paid tribute to the initial ry and development of the Shannon feature, as special guests, The support of ESB, and in particular Scheme in the 1920s. “The winning Celtic Tenors, who will be just Brendan Delany, Pat Yeates and essay is excellently informed and coming off their extensive tour of Gerry Hampson who provided in- demonstrates a comprehensive com- North America and Europe. The valuable assistance by making ar- mand of the background and devel- tenors are former Feis Ceoil win- chives available and providing histo- opment of the scheme,” he said. ners, who have agreed to share ries of ESB in text and video format Eoin earned his BA (Hons) in their talent and inspire those fol- that formed part of the course syl- 2010 and is currently pursuing post- lowing in their footsteps. labus. Pat Deasy of Networks Train- graduate work in military studies in Rounding off the two week ing delivered lectures on the work- the Department of History at NUI event in grand style, this gala ings of electricity and Niall O’Neill, Maynooth. n showcase concert will feature a One of Ireland’s longest sicians, and of course, a chance selection of outstanding winners running and most loved festivals, to see future stars in the mak- from the ESB Electric Ireland this national classical music com- ing. Plenty of information on the Feis Ceoil 2011. n Tom Healy graduates petition, now in it’s third year of competitions and schedule will partnership with ESB, has been be made available on the website Ticket Prices: (€15, €12.50 conc., or running in Dublin for 115 years. (www.feisceoil.ie) during the feis, €40 family (2 adults + 2 children). More than 4,000 talented com- to help visitors to choose which Bookings: www.tickets.ie (from mid- petitors will travel from all over events they’d like to see. Feb) or Feis Ceoil office at RDS during the country to the RDS in Dub- 2011 event. lin to meet with their peers and CHOIR DAY – RDS Venue: Check out the amazing Conven- compete in a dizzying array of Tuesday April 5th tion Centre venue at www.theccd.ie musical competitions from vocal One of the new initiatives in and instrumental to choral and 2011 is ‘Choir Day’, when all orchestral. post-primary and primary choir As well as the thousands of competitions take place, with the competitors, the event is open to winning choir in each competi- See our audiences with all members of tion staying on to compete for the Competitions the public welcome to attend the title of ‘ESB Electric Ireland Feis Page to win one competitions. With a day pass Ceoil Choir of the Year’. The very of 10 pairs of tickets costing only €5, it is completely best Irish school choirs will com- for the Gala Concert in Tom Healy, ESB Wilton, recently qualified from UCC after a five-year night degree course – the only part-time BSc available in Ireland according to UCC. The Degree affordable to come along and pete for this prestigious award. the National is a BSc in Environmental Studies. Pictured (l-r): Doctor Michael Murphy, President hear some of Ireland’s finest mu- The final will run from 5.00pm Convention UCC presenting Tom with his BSc. Centre! www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 SERVICES and ESB ELECTRIC IRELAND 11 ESB Electric Ireland ‘Fight Back’ selected staff households sign up for our gas products

Pupils from Fourth Class, Presentation Primary School, Waterford with Catherine Kinsella, Green Schools’ Coordinator, Teresa O’Donovan, Principal and Lisa Dunne, ESB Electric Ireland New Products and Services. The school will use the savings from the works carried out through ESB HALO Schools Programme to complete their school garden.

Brid Horan, Executive Director, Services and Electric Ireland signing up for the pilot scheme. Schools see greener days More than 600 staff registered their interest for the pilot scheme, ahead – thanks to ESB HALO Schools Programme demonstrating fantastic support ESB Electric Ireland began pro- across ESB for ESB Electric Ire- their school garden, while Gardin- ESB’s commitment to sustainability viding gas to selected staff house- land’s ‘fight back’. The 150 staff er Street Convent School in Dub- and leadership in energy efficiency. holds under the Staff Gas Pilot who are participating in the pilot lin, who benefited from a boiler re- Just last month, ESB launched the Scheme in December 2010. The scheme were selected against- Eight schools across the coun- placement, plan to invest in musical HALO Installation Service pro- pilot scheme marks the start of the predefined criteria and they have try are now on a greener learning instruments for the school. viding homeowners with a total second phase of ESB Electric Ire- switched their gas supply contract path as result of works carried out Commenting on the HALO one-stop-shop for all their energy land’s ‘fight-back’ following the to ESB Electric Ireland. Brid Ho- through the ESB HALO Schools Schools Programme, Susan Fraw- needs. launch of competitive offerings to ran, Executive Director, Services Programme. ley, Principal of St Michael’s Infant This home energy service has the our business customers in October and Electric Ireland was one of the The schools, each categorised as School, Limerick, one of the eight potential to transform the energy 2010. Launching gas services to all first members of staff to sign up for disadvantaged by the Department schools selected, said, “We are de- levels of Irish homes in a significant customers early this year will enable ESB Electric Ireland’s gas product. of Education and Science (DES), lighted to be part of the ESB HALO way, by enabling them to reduce us to become a dual fuel supplier, She said, “Launching ESB Electric were selected from a group of 30 Schools Programme and to have their energy bills, while ensuring and will help position ESB Electric Ireland’s gas product is a great schools commended in the energy had the opportunity to insulate our that their homes are kept warm Ireland as an even stronger competi- achievement for our business and efficiency category of An Taisce’s school, thanks to ESB. St Michael’s and comfortable in a more environ- tor in the Irish retail energy market. is a key part of our fight-back to Green Schools Energy Programme. is a Green School, so we are all very mentally-friendly way. Our systems have passed all inter- retain and win back customers. Supported by ESB, this programme aware of the importance of saving The eight schools who benefited nal and external gas market testing Congratulations to all involved in recognised each of the schools for energy. Having our school insulated from the ESB HALO Programme and we are on track to launch gas the CREST project on their work reaching a very high international by the ESB increases our comfort comprise: St Michael’s Infant and dual fuel offerings. The purpose to date and thank you to all of standard for environmental man- and saves us energy, as well as re- School, Limerick; St. Peter’s Na- of the pilot scheme, which started in those staff who volunteered to agement and education. ducing our school’s costs in the long tional School, Athlone; St. Fintan’s December 2010 and is running for take part in the pilot and to those ESB’s HALO Schools Programme run. Using the money we save, we’re National School, Taghmon, County four months, is to confirm that our of you who are participating. You facilitated a free energy survey for planning to buy reading books for Wexford; Presentation Primary systems and processes are working are playing a key role in shaping all eight schools followed by the our Red Rocket Book Club.” School, Waterford; Ardee Commu- correctly with live customers. our future.” n recommended remedial works, ESB Electric Ireland New Prod- nity School; Presentation National with 30% of the project costs being ucts and Services Manager, Brian School, Drogheda; Blakestown supported through the Sustainable Dowd said, “Each of the selected Community School, Blanchards- Energy Authority of Ireland’s En- schools that have benefited from the town, and Gardiner Street Convent ergy EfficiencyF und. HALO Programme are dedicated to School, Dublin. n ElectricAid Book/CD/ The extensive works carried out sustainable energy and to operating DVD Fair 10th – 11th March, 2011 in the schools ranged from install- a greener school and, ing cavity wall insulation, heating therefore, must be com- ElectricAid is holding a checked that all goods were in controls and energy-efficient light- mended for their commit- Book/CD/DVD Fair in Head good condition before making ing to replacing inefficient boiler s. ment. ESB is delighted to Office on March 10th - 11th your donations. As a result, each school now enjoys be able to carry out these next. So start your Spring declut- much more energy-efficient build- necessary works, whether Please donate any unwanted tering and help ElectricAid on ings, running at a lower cost. it be cavity wall insulation books/CDs/DVDs to this ini- the way! In terms of reinvesting the sav- or boiler replacement and tiative and help save the plight ings back into their school, reading to deliver a real benefit to of those less fortunate, both at many are investing in new books schools that are genuinely home and abroad. and in some cases even creating deserving. We hope the Details of where to bring dedicated reading rooms, hoping to long term savings to the Gary Murphy, New Products and Services, ESB your donations and further de- encourage their pupils to read more schools will provide the pu- Electric Ireland, Susan Frawley, Principal of St tails on the Sale will be avail- and enjoy it. pils with an even more enjoy- Michael’s Infant School, Limerick and some of able on ESBNet shortly. At the Presentation Primary able school environment.” the pupils who are enjoying a cosier learning environment thanks to ESB who carried out cavity It would be appreciated if you School, Waterford, however, they The HALO Programme is wall insulation on the school building as part are using their savings to complete a further demonstration of of its HALO Schools Programme. 12 SERVICES and ESB ELECTRIC IRELAND Feb/Mar 2011 /em ESBStore.ie product review ESB Meter Reading App 8ESB Electric Ireland launches an iPhone and 8John Forde (ITS) reviews the Devotec Solar Android app. Bluetooth Speaker from ESBStore.ie A new ESB Electric This functional, easy Ireland meter-reading to use app will have When better can someone you could need, including: mains app allows custom- additional updates that get a new gadget to play with charger, retractable headphone ers to submit their will further benefit our than a few days before Christ- jack cable and a small carrying own electricity meter increasingly tech sav- mas? So, I was delighted to take pouch to keep it protected when reading using their vy customers. James Farrelly and Edel McCa- on the move, oh, and the usual iPhone or Android rthy up on their offer to try out i n st r uc t ion s for ig nor i n g! T he so - phone. ESB is the first Download the app one of the products on esbstore. lar panel takes up the complete staying clear and easily loud Irish utility to offer a now: ie. The one that caught my eye top of the speaker and there enough for almost all music lov- smartphone app for Please show your sup- to give a thorough trial was the are a number of buttons on the er’s needs. electricity meter read- port and ensure the Devotec Solar Sound 2. front to operate volume and to I guess the question is why ing submission. success of our app by On the store website, the move tracks forward and back. would anyone need solar pow- The new app makes downloading it now product is described as ‘a solar Setting up and playing was very ered speakers? For a start with- it easier than ever be- and letting your family powered Bluetooth speaker’, simple via both headphone jack out any assistance from the fore for our customers and friends know it’s to me this sounded like a good and Bluetooth, as would be ex- sun the Devotec Solar Sound 2 to submit their actual available. challenge for any piece of tech- pected, but the instruction book speaker can keep knocking out meter readings, help- The free ESB Meter nology, espe- did have to be the tunes for up to 10 hours on ing them to gain more Reading App is avail- cially when found once battery power and with good control over their able now on iTunes you take a number of solar assistance, and depending electricity bills by and on the Android delivery of colour lights on choice of music playback, a putting an end to es- Market. If you have the device started never ending supply of music timated bills. an iPhone or Android on one of flashing and, without mains recharging is The ESB Meter smartphone, please the short- eventually, claimed possible. Most mobile Reading App allows take a moment to est days the music phones or music players can people to register download the app. n of the year in one of the least stopped. Lots of things became be connected to the speakers multiple addresses sunny countries. Thankfully, clear once I read the manual: via either the headphone jack – so for example, a To download, simply search the speakers do have a built in the different colour lights indi- or Bluetooth, so with its small customer can submit ‘ESB Meter Reading App’ in Lithium polymer 1600mAh bat- cate charging and discharging size (16.5x5.8x5.8cm) and light their own and their the iTunes app store, if you tery that can also be charged along with standby modes and weight (300grams) it makes an parent’s meter read- are an iPhone user, orin by connecting to the mains, the connectivity problems, so the ideal travel companion for mu- ing, along with many the Android Market, if you claimed charging time is four manual was definitely worth the sic lovers going on holidays. It more. This can be done use an Android phone. You can hours by mains and 12–24 hours two-minute read. might also make a handy ac- easily through the well-organised also download the app using any free from solar. The combination of 2x2W cessory along with the wel- property section of the app. QR code reader (or barcode reader) app My first impressions when speakers, one in either end, lies when going to some of the There is also a ‘Useful Contacts’ – simply scan the relevant QR image be- I opened the box was that the gives surprisingly good quality summer Irish music festivals, if section in the app, so users have low (please make sure you scan the cor- speaker was nice and small and and volume stereo sound, even that’s more your scene for tent- account query and ESB emergen- rect image for your phone type). came with all the accessories when they are turned up fully, side music. n cy contact numbers at hand.

no colour, taste or smell. The only reliable way to detect ESBStore.ie CO is with an audible Carbon By Ray O’Mullane, ESBStore.ie Monoxide alarm. Our elec- Manager tant to buy online too close to tronic CO alarm constantly Christmas week for fear the monitors the home, providing product won’t be delivered for early warning of the deadly Christmas. Our delivery times gas well before danger levels are excellent, 1-3 days after or- are reached. Please visit our der is placed so in the case of ‘Safety at Home’ section on ESBstore.ie – no need to wor- the site to check out our range ry! of carbon monoxide and smoke As you might expect Christ- alarms. NCCC staff in festive charity initiatives mas Fairy lights were very We continue to add interest- popular. Our Christmas fairy ing new efficient products to lights are a little differ- our ESBStore.ie, including: ent, being solar a frost and heat insulation powered! kit that will help pre- A top sell- vent your water pipes ing product for from freezing, a plug- December was in thermostat to our Ei Carbon switch on a heater ESBStore.ie had its best sales Monoxide alarm. when the temper- month yet in December. We hit Carbon Monoxide ature goes below two more big milestones - can be produced by the set-point and more than 100,000 visits to appliances that use loft insulation. Be pre- our store and over 3,000 or- gas, oil, wood, coal or pared – we may not have seen ders placed to date! other solid fuel. It is a the last of the freezing weather Staff at NCCC organised a festive fair together with a Christmas Giving Tree for Cork Some buyers can be reluc- highly poisonous gas that has this season! n Simon Community. Pictured presenting a cheque for €720 together with donated gifts are some of the staff at the NCCC in Wilton with Katie Browne of Cork Simon Community. www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 SERVICES and ESB ELECTRIC IRELAND 13 Aviva Stadium hosts Business Breakfast ESB sponsors the Market De- the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the with influential business leaders velopment Programme Business guest speaker was Aviva CEO Jim and to connect with companies of Breakfast, which is a bi-annual Dowdall, who spoke on Aviva interest to them to create future event. The programme operates - Our Transformation and Quan- opportunities. n within the UCD Michael Smurfit tum Leap. Attending the break- Graduate School of Business as fast were ESB Chief Executive At the recent UCD Smurfit Business a professional market research Padraig McManus and Brid Ho- School Breakfast held in the Aviva service to individuals and organi- ran, Executive Director, Services Stadium in Dublin are (l-r): Guest Speaker, Jim Dowdall CEO Aviva, Rachel sations wishing to develop their and Electric Ireland. The business Keaney from the Smurfit Business practical business skills. breakfast affords graduates an School and Padraig McManus, Chief At a recent breakfast held in opportunity to interact directly Executive ESB.

Energising Under-20’s Rugby Six Irish Womens’ Hockey Nations Home Series Sponsorship On target for London 2012 Olympics Renewal Deal ESB announced a three year renewal country. Without ESB’s tangible pa- are truly grateful to be associated of its sponsorship of the Under 20’s tronage, Buccaneers simply could not with ESB and the extent to which Rugby host these hugely popular matches.” they are involved with our progress home series. ESB will once more join Ireland will play two home matches and committed to our success.” the Irish Rugby Football Union in against the two traditional big rugby The 24 athletes on the squad staging the home fixtures in Dubarry powers at the home of Buccaneers are: Niamh Atcheler (UCD); Han- Park, Athlone for a three year period RFC., kicking off their campaign nah Bowe (Slough); Emma Clarke from 2011 -2013 inclusive. against France on Friday, February (Leicester); Lizzie Colvin (Hol- 2011 marks the sixth successive 11th followed by a meeting with Eng- land- Club TBA); Aine Connery season that Buccaneers, the IRFU and land on Friday, March 18th with both (Hermes); Miriam Crowley (UCC); ESB have staged these prestigious games being shown live on RTE2 TV. matches at , Athlone. Ireland will be coached this year by Speaking at the announcement, Mike Ruddock, who guided to ESB Electric Ireland, Commercial a senior Six Nations in Manager, Ken McKervey stated “ESB 2005, whilst Michael Kearney is again has enjoyed an excellent partnership team Manager. Ruddock’s son Rhys with Buccaneers RFC and the IRFU last year captained the Irish U20s to for the past five years in supporting winning the Six Nations Champion- Nicci Daly, Jean McDonnell, Miriam Crowley, ESB Chief Executive, them in showcasing the best of Ireland ship and has since gone on to play for Padraig McManus, Cliodhna Sargent and Aine Connery UCD. Under 20’s Rugby at Dubarry Park Leinster and the Ireland Senior team Athlone. The decision to renew this alongside former U-20 stars Jonathan to 15th in the World and will sponsorship for a further three years Sexton, Sean O’Brien and Cian Hea- feature nations from around was easy considering the success we ly; evidence of young talent emerging the world including, Japan, India, have enjoyed to date through the from the U-20s set up. ESB and The Irish Hockey As- USA, and South . Ireland are growing interest in Under 20’s rugby From March 2011 onwards, the sociation were in UCD on Monday currently ranked 15th in the World. as evidenced with the impressive au- sponsorship will be branded ESB 24th January last to showcase the The event is perfect timing for the (l-r) Hannah Bowe, Anna O’Flanagan, dience figures RTE’s live broadcasts Electric Ireland when the new logo progress that has been made by CPP and will provide them with Nicci Daly, Niamh Small, Eimear Cregan of the games have generated over the and identity for the recently an- and Jean McDonnell. University College the Irish Senior Women’s Hockey invaluable experience and also the Dublin, Belfield, Dublin. past few years. This, combined with nounced name change for ESB’s Cus- Squad since the creation of the Cen- opportunity to improve their world the experience of working with Buc- tomer Supply and Independent En- tral Preparation Programme (CPP). ranking (which would be important Eimear Cregan (Catholic Insti- caneers and the growing attendance ergy businesses will be rolled out. The Irish squad to participate in if the team ends up in a play off for tute); Nicci Daly (Loreto); Nikki figures at the home games makes this the CPP was initially announced in the Olympics). Evans (Railway Union); Emma sponsorship an obvious choice for us, Ireland Under20’s Rugby Six Nations September 2010. The programme is Padraig McManus, Chief Execu- Gray (Hermes); Michelle Harvey particularly in the competitive energy Home Series fixtures: designed to prepare Ireland’s Senior tive, ESB said, “We are delighted (Pegasus); Lisa Jacob (Hermes); market of today.” Fri 11th Feb international hockey players for the with the progress of the CPP to Sinead McCarthy (Hermes); Shirley Welcoming the renewal of the 19:45 Ireland U20s v France U20s 2011 EuroHockey Nations Cham- date. The girls have put in huge ef- McCay (Old Alex); Jean McDonnell sponsorship, Buccaneers RFC Presi- Dubarry Park pionship where they will also seek fort into their new highly intensive (Railway Union); Anna O’ Flana- dent Pat Hynes, gratefully acknowl- Fri 18th Mar qualification for the London 2012 training programme, with some of gan (Hermes); Audrey O’Flynn edged “ESB’s on-going unstinting 19:45 Ireland U20s v England U20s Olympic Games. them relocating from around the (Hermes); Julia O’Halloran (Rail- support of these prestigious interna- Dubarry Park Captain, Eimear Creegan, said: country. Gene Muller (National way Union); Cliodhna Sargent (Cork tional fixtures that enabled topclass Both matches will be shown live on “The CPP has been fantastic for Women’s Coach) keeps us updated Harlequins); Niamh Small (Loreto); rugby come to the heartland of the RTE2 TV n the Irish Senior Women’s Team. on the progress of the team and we Emma Smyth (Railway Union); It has boosted team morale and are very proud to be sponsors of Alex Speers (Railway Union); Nikki confidence as well as enhancing Women’s hockey in Ireland. I would Symmons (Loreto); Pam Smithwick our quality of training. All players like to take this opportunity to wish (Old Alex) Chloe Watkins (UCD); are striving to perform better and them luck over the coming months Brenda Flannery (UCD. this can only benefit the team as a and we hope they will reap the ben- Each player will continue to com- whole. I would like to take this op- efits of this new programme.” pete for their clubs as the weekly portunity to thank ESB for all of National Women’s Coach, Gene schedule makes provisions for their support, without whom this Muller said, “The formation of the weekend club hockey (except for would not be possible”. CPP has put Ireland on a par with scheduled athlete breaks or inter- The next big event for the girls is many top international nations. national events) while also enabling the recently announced Champions ESB has supported this initiative athletes to prepare midweek with Challenge which will take place in from the very beginning and con- their clubs for ESB Irish Senior UCD from the 19th – 26th June. tinue to be fantastic supporters of Cup and ESB Irish Hockey League Pat Hynes, President Buccaneers R.F.C., Eoin McKeon, Daniel Qualter, Niall Annett The event is for teams ranked 7th the Womens’ National Team. We matches. n (Captain), Ken McKervey, Commercial Manager ESB Electric Ireland. 14 SERVICES and ESB ELECTRIC IRELAND Feb/Mar 2011 /em Meath housewife is winner in Household Budget Scheme

The Household Budget Scheme helps those in receipt of certain so- cial welfare payments in Ireland to spread the cost of some house- hold bills over the year. Under this scheme, a fixed amount is deducted from your social welfare payment each week towards a utility of your choice. The scheme is operated by An Attending the Archival Exhibition ‘When the Shannon came to Waterford’ in Waterford City Library are (l-r) Brendan Delany, ESB Archive Post and in order to qualify, you & Heritage Manager, John Phelan and Eddie Kelly, both from ESB Waterford Retired Staff Association and Pat Yeates, ESB Archives. must be getting a certain social welfare payment. The Household Budget Scheme is free of charge. When the Shannon came to Waterford! In this current economic envi- ronment and with approx. 450,000 The history of Waterford City’s electricity supply people currently on the live register, promotion, ESB is holding a month- this is an invaluable service avail- ly draw where one lucky winner was well attended and the positive scheme in the 1920s to the modern able to our customers. will win €500 worth of free electric- SERVICES feedback was very encouraging. day. Particular attention was paid to In November, ESB wrote to ap- ity. This competition will run once The exhibition highlighted the fact the role of the Shannon Scheme in proximately 30,000 customers a month between now and October An exhibition on the history of that in our day-to-day living many providing a reliable source of electric promoting the Household Budget 2011 to increase awareness among Waterford City’s electricity supply is of us take electricity for granted, but power on a national scale. There was Scheme and included details on our customers of this worthwhile a collaborative effort between ESB less than 100 years ago it was an ex- also a focus on the social, cultural how customers could sign up to the scheme where people in receipt of Archives, ESB Waterford Retired pensive luxury available to very few and economic effects of rural elec- scheme. We also launched a joint welfare benefit can take control of Staff Association and Waterford of our cities’ people. The multi-media trification on the areas remote from campaign with St Vincent de Paul, their electricity bill. City Archives. The exhibition ran exhibition traced the development of towns and cities. MABS, Age Action Ireland, HSE The first winner is Mrs. Maguire in the Waterford Central Library Waterford City’s electricity supply Included in the exhibition were and the Department of Social Pro- from Meath, who is delighted with from Thursday December 2nd to from the earliest proposal for electric some artefacts and memorabilia from tection in November to promote her prize! Wednesday January 4th. Despite public lighting in the 1890s through the early days of electricity supply in this worthwhile endeavour. The next winner will be announced the inclement weather, the exhibition Waterford Corporation’s proposed Ireland. n To coincide with the launch of this on Tuesday, February 15th. n ESB sponsors Adverse weather conditions and its impact on ESB business ISME Survey 1,000 ESB staff logging in remotely at some time during the day to ac- cess their ESB applications. We can also see that during the same day more than 570 users were logged on at the same time, the maximum numbers of users logged on to My- Office at the same time in the past has been measured at 200 users.

anywhere, using any type of PC or SERVICES laptop and enables users to share Things were slightly different and collaborate data and applica- during the snow falls at Christmas We have had a lot of media tions. Through the use of MyOffice week with maximum simultaneous coverage in recent times on the mil- on Citrix, ESB and other organisa- usage at just 425 users, still very lions, and even billions, of euro in tions can ensure that workers are high considering that staff tradition- losses caused by the recent inclem- able to continue working as normal ally take some of their annual leave ent weather and the knock on ef- even though they may be unable to at this time of the year. fect this is having on the economy get to the office. In addition to this, So, if you are snowed in, or un- through lost production, travel employee safety travelling to and able to use the roads or rail network, chaos and losses to pre and post- from work is not compromised and, accessing your applications through Christmas sales. ESB has, to a large from a sustainability point of view, MyOffice will allow you to work extent, been able to reduce its de- there are knock-on benefits to the productively from your own home. pendency on fair weather and the environment. The service is available from ITS, need for staff to get to their work At present more than 3,100 ESB subject to prior set-up and ongoing locations through the use of Citrix employees have access to this serv- management approval. n Myoffice. ice and recent figures taken from Citrix removes the barriers of the the last spate of bad weather shows Please contact the ITS Service Centre on ext. Mark Fielding, CEO ISME and Susan Kinane, ESB Electric Ireland at the launch of the traditional office by allowing em- that usage of MyOffice peaked on 26699 if you have any queries relating to this ESB Sponsored ISME Wages & Conditions of Employment Survey 2010/11. ployees the flexibility to work from Friday December 3rd with close to service. 15 Sustainable Future ESB Telecoms, ESB Networks Ltd pages 17 Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

and the 40% renewables targets • Reducing operating costs by set by the CER for 2020. €40m by 2015. Within the CER’s determina- • Delivering on the planned capi- tion, a significant capital efficien- tal expenditure programme at PR3 conclusion cy factor has been included. This lower cost. means that on a like-for-like basis • Maintaining and improving, 8Successful conclusion to the ESB Networks’ Five-Year Price Review for with PR2, Networks must deliver where possible, on the level of the capital programme for €175m customer service provided. 2011 to 2015 (Price Review 3) less. Delivering a programme of • Engaging to achieve maximum this scale within the approved delivery of all performance in- PR3 Process: amount will be a significant chal- centives. The PR3 process involved de- lenge for ESB Networks. (see figure 2) tailed preparation and ongoing detailed engagement with CER Networks Approved PR3 Capital In summary, the price review over a two-year period. This Programme (€m) outcome is positive in terms of engagement involved the timely There are also a number of per- the scale of investment proposed, preparation and presentation of formance incentives in relation which will ensure an infrastruc- multiple submissions (totalling to continuity of supply, call- ture to meet Ireland’s future 50) by ESB Networks to the CER, centre response, meter readings, needs. Noting the difficult exter- together with many bi-lateral line losses, renewable generation nal funding environment, bor- meetings. In preparation for the and delivery of the capital pro- rowing for this investment will PR3 review, a formal PR3 project gramme. present major challenges for ESB. team was established by ESB Net- Finally, there are considerable CER has set extremely stretch- works within the asset manage- challenges imposed on Networks ing, challenging and stringent ment area and with a significant in respect of operating cost effi- efficiency and cost reduction tar- level of input from the various ciencies, with a €20m reduction gets, which must be achieved business activities. A key role of in Opex required in 2011 versus The recent reorganisation of the PR3 team was to ensure that 2010, increasing to a €40m reduc- ESB Networks implemented be- all relevant staff within Networks tion by 2015. The rationale for fore Christmas provides a vehi- were fully informed and engaged the reduction included deemed cle for flexible and accountable in the review process so that fo- inefficiencies in both Networks programme delivery of the PR3 cussed submissions were made to internal costs as well as those of Capital Programme. It aligns the CER in a timely and effective the internal service providers the organisation closely to the manner. (ESB Supply, ESBI, ICT, Shared changed investment programme Services and Corporate Centre). in PR3 with less new connec- CER’s Distribution and Transmis- (see figure 1) tions but with significantly more sion Determinations high-voltage project delivery re- The total approved revenues for PR3 Operating Cost Challenge quired. Regulatory process the five year period from 2011 to (€m) These are challenging times for Every five years, the CER 2015 were set at €3.8 billion for Key Challenges for Networks: ESB Networks, but we have the carries out a price review that the distribution networks business The key challenges for ESB Net- confidence that, working togeth- sets out the framework for ESB and €0.9 billion for transmission works to focus on over the next er, we can deliver on the targets ESB Networks areas Networks activities (both capi- networks business. After lengthy five years are: set out above with continued fo- of responsibility: tal and maintenance, for both engagement, and taking account • Ensuring, above all, the safety cus on reducing costs while main- ESB Networks operates as a regu- distribution and transmission of increased borrowing costs for of our staff and the public taining a relentless effort on safe- lated monopoly and it’s distribu- activities). The price review the Irish government, a rate of re- ty and quality improvement. n tion and transmission activities also determines the amount of turn of 5.95% was agreed. This is have been subject to regulation money that ESB Networks can an increase from a 5.63% rate of Figure 1 - Networks Approved PR3 Capital Programme (€m) by the Commission for Energy charge electricity suppliers for return that was set for PR2. Regulation (CER) since 2000. its services during the period. Despite the significant reduc- Networks provides services on The final decision on the third tion in the number of new connec- a non-discriminatory basis to all price review (referred to as tions assumed in PR3 versus PR2, suppliers in the electricity market ‘PR3’), which covers the period there is still a substantial level of and collects its revenue from all 2011–2015 was published in approved investment to develop supply companies for the quantity November 2010. There are two the network and replace old plant. of electricity supplied to their cus- separate decisions - one cover- In addition, there is a further pro- tomers during each billing period. ing distribution activities and vision of €500m approved for The distribution system consists revenues and the other covering the SMART metering project. of the electricity network that con- TAO activities and revenues. In total, a capital investment in nects homes and businesses to the Included in the revenues that the distribution programme of Figure 2 - PR3 Operating Cost Challenge (€m) transmission system. It is built, Networks is allowed charge sup- €2.7bn has been approved fol- owned, maintained and operated pliers are amounts of money to lowing extensive technical inves- by ESB Networks under licence cover Networks operating costs, tigation and review by the CER’s from CER. depreciation and return on as- consultants. This compares with The transmission system is the sets and incentive payments for a spend in this area of €2.5bn in national grid. ESB Networks is li- achieving network performance Price Review 2 (PR2), however, censed by the CER as transmission targets. Through this five-year- the mix of work programmes has asset owner (TAO) and is required ly review process Networks is changed considerably. to build, own and maintain the incentivised to operate within There is also a considerable transmission system. EirGrid is its licence, to function in an ef- ramp up in transmission spend the licensed transmission system ficient manner, and to provide proposed from €470m in PR2 to operator (TSO). high levels of customer service. €1.4bn in PR3 in line with Grid25 16 ESB NETWORKS ltd Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em Smart Networks 8ESB Networks hosts international Webex conference on the ESB/ EPRI Smart Grid Demonstration progress

manage supply and demand in an environment of significantly in- creasing wind generation. The project began in 2009 and will go until 2012. ESB hosted the first ‘Deep Dive’ webex presenta- The’Smart Green Circuits Team’ – Standing (l-r) Martin Hand, Ellen Diskin, Noel Rushe, tion for EPRI in January 2011, Tony Walsh, Clem Power, Ger O’Mahony and Tony Hearne. Seated (l-r) Alan Staunton, where the in-depth progress of ES- Teresa Fallon and Jerry O’Donoghue. BN’s project was presented over a three-hour session to all of EPRI’s members. The international audience were very laudatory of the innovations presented and acknowledged that significant progress being made in 2010. This is due to the wide depth of expertise and commitment of many people in networks. The year 2010 was a year of new beginnings for ESB Networks. Hav- Examples of the milestones reached ing completed a very successful are outlined as follows: decade of infrastructure rebuild- ing and securing the continuation 1. Maximising the levels of distri- of this investment through 2015, bution connected wind the Third Price Review proposals Tony Hearne Pictured during the “International Webcast” , ESB Networks doing the first EPRID eep to the CER included a significant There are three elements to the Dive live webcast to all Smart Grid utilities in the US and France on January 20th. element towards the networks of wind integration stream of the the future in the form of a purpose- project. The first is focused on using owners are engaged and a number ful research budget. With the world the voltage and reactive power con- of modes of power factor Vs volt- wide focus on Smart Networks, it is trols at two distribution connected age control operation modes have critical that ESB Networks defines The self healing loop deployed wind farms to optimise the net VAR been tested for the first project, what Smart Network innovations on a Kerry network in action. output while remaining within volt- the booster has been installed and work technically, improve customer age limits. The second looks at using tested in the second element. supply and service, contribute to a 38kV booster to reduce the volt- In the third element of the our Sustainability objectives and age rise caused by a wind generator project, ESBI have designed a most importantly are cost benefi- bers from around the world (see EM and finally the third element includ- new station design for use in gen- cial, in an Irish context. OCT/NOV 2010). As part of the ed the redesign of HV distribution erator connections and this is be- ESB Networks has been carrying EPRI initiative, ESBN gains from stations for generator connections. ing put into practice in one loca- out smart gird research for some the research and learning’s of other The first two elements of this tion. time, so when the consolidated members and also places ESB Net- project are well under way with David Bannon, ESB ecars Smart Grid Demonstration pro- works as one of the leading partners high-quality monitoring equipment 2. Smart Metering customer behav- is pictured handing over a car to is Gilles Jacques Pierre Parmantier. gramme was put together, it linked in smart grid advancement. installed measuring five-second iour trial up many research elements that T h e f o u r p r i m a r y e l e m e n t s o f data for all critical points on the net- Neil McGuinness 2010, customers in the Smart Meter were already in train. The project ESBN’s smart grid project comprise: work. The wind-farm generator From January 2010 to December Customer Behaviour Trial were was accepted by the Electrical Pow- renewable integration, energy charged for their electricity use on a er Research Industry (EPRI), in the efficiency, electric transportation time-of-day basis. This trial is now USA, to become part of their Smart and a flexible grid. The four ele- complete and the results are being Grid Demonstrations project initia- ments of the project provide a well- processed by the ESRI to derive the tive, which includes 18 utility mem- rounded strategy to effectively independently validated results.

3. Electric Vehicles Senan McGrath ESB Networks are examining the potential impact of various levels of eCar penetration and of customer charging behaviour on existing dis- tribution networks. Candidates for the trial, on the selected test net- work in Roebuck Downs in south Dublin, have been recruited and the trial went live in January.

4. Smart Green Circuits Alan Staunton /Jerry O’Donoghue To make our already smart net- works smarter, in this element of the project, intelligence in the following Smart metering customer behavioural trial elements Communications with smart grid demo wind farm sites www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ESB NETWORKS ltd 17 areas is being texted in 5MW out- Telecom Services - enabling lets: - Low loss transformers - Self healing networks Watch out in a Sustainable future - Additional intelligent sensors to 2011 help improve load factor for more information on this! - System losses 8Telecom Services are enabling greener methods of work through new - Outage performance. A self-healing network is opera- technologies and services. tional in Kerry. The delivery of low Readers should also note that through tionalities in WebEx. It is planned single-phase low-loss transformers ESBN’s corporate membership of EPRI, that home users will be able to dial for trial is imminent and the work- all employees can access a wide range internal five digit extensions, as if shop testing of voltage conserva- of research that EPRI are involved in. they where in the office and they will tion methods have been success- Just log on to www.epri.com and follow also be contacted via internal num- fully tested for use. n the steps to register and gain access. n bers from any ESB location. All new systems will support multipoint con- ferencing (up to 16 people or systems in a single conference) and will also support application/screen sharing. It will be possible to use WebEx from an existing video conference room while still delivering HD quality au- dio and video between locations.

Google Street View Google Street View has made it Pat McCarren of ESB Telecoms using the new video conferencing solution. possible for staff to optimise exist- ing workflows and to cut down on emissions. Last year, 4,658 video travel. Telecom Services teams are ESB Telecoms conferences were held: a 150% in- using Google Street View to enable crease on 2009. It is estimated that initial site inspections. This dramati- ESB has a corporate strategic tar- by replacing one in 10 face-to-face cally reduces the amount of site vis- Smart Networks Strategy. get to reduce our carbon dioxide inter-site meetings with video meet- its required and thus reduces carbon emissions by 30% by 2012, 50% ings, ESB could reduce its carbon emissions. by 2020 and has a target of net-zero emissions by 662 tonnes a year. Telecom Services are using emerg- emissions by 2035. The use of tel- Video conferencing is a much more ing communications technologies to ecommunications will enable the effective means of communication improve the way services are deliv- organisation to reduce emissions via than email or phone, as much lot of ered in a more sustainable way and some key initiatives: communication is non-verbal. A lot to enable ESB to become a more sus- • Deployment of remote monitoring of a speaker’s meaning is expressed tainable organisation. One such new and operation of telecoms equip- through facial expressions and body solution in development involves the ment. language. Video communication unification of voice, video, instant • Development of Enterprise Video reduces confusion, strengthens rela- messaging and web collaboration Conference systems. tionships and helps teams to collabo- (WebEx) into a single service known • Use of Google Street View to elim- rate and make decisions faster. as Unified Communications (UC). inate some site visits. Telecom Services are working to ex- tend the use of video conferencing Further information on video conferencing Remote operations beyond dedicated rooms to laptops and emerging services will be available at the Telecom Services adopted a remote- and desk PCs. A new generation of video and UC open Lunch and Learn in the control policy, in 2004, to ensure that video solutions will be launched in Head Office Conference Centre on any new equipment installed on site ESB later this year. This new sys- Wednesday March 23rd next at 1pm. n Smart Networks automation example. could be managed remotely from a tem is currently being trialled prior centralised location. This centralised to a full deployment. The system location is known as the Telecoms can deliver high-definition video to Operation Centre (TOC) and it now a desktop or laptop in the office, or monitors over 3,000 devices at over the home, so it can be used for re- 950 locations nationwide. Many of mote working and or working with these sites are in remote or moun- dispersed user groups. It is planned tainous locations that can be difficult that this service could be accessed to access. Now, if problems occur worldwide from any internet con- on the Telecom Services’ network, nection. TOC can perform first level support To realise the full potential of new through management systems that systems, such as video conferencing, can minimise the impact on custom- it is necessary to leverage the benefits ers’ services. This policy has also of existing systems in ESB. The new significantly reduced the need for video solution will integrate fully Brendan Roche of ESB Telecoms is operational support teams to visit re- with the existing ESB telephone sys- delighted with the system. Photographs by mote sites to investigate faults. This tem, as well as leveraging some func- John Wallace, ESB Telecoms. has reduced travel, safety risks and carbon emissions, while ensuring the TABLE OF FACTS delivery of the best service possible CO2 reduction of 30% by 2012, 50% by 2020, and a target of net-zero by 2035. to our customers. Reduced Road Miles = Reduced Safety Risk. Video conference systems TOC now monitors over 3,000 devices at over 950 locations. Overview of the ESBN Smart Grid demonstration projects on the ground. Since 2001, 37 video conferencing units have been installed throughout In 2010 4658 video conferences were held, this is a 150% increase over 2009. ESB resulting in substantial savings High definition video conferencing to a desktop or laptop at any location. on travel and consequential CO2 18 ESB NETWORKS ltd Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

Sustainability Update ESB Telecoms Ltd – what’s it all about? ESB Networks Ltd Galway, Limerick and Waterford, to just about any major town you care BioFuel Cold Testing in to mention making ESBT the largest single provider of such services in the Italian Alps Ireland. These towers are available to all An ESB Landrover is heading John O’Donoghue and Jimmy to the Italian Alps as part of the ESB Acres, Fleet & Equipment, will Networks biodiesel pilot and the conduct tests this January on an wider Networks integrated ‘Green instrumented ESB vehicle at tem- Fleet’ plan aimed at reducing car- peratures of -20oC and below at bon emissions from the ESB fleet. Livigno in the Italian Alps. An ESB At present, there are approximately Landrover was specially prepared 85 Networks vehicles operating on for the tests by Barry O’Gorman, a pilot basis on various blends of ESB Garage Limerick, including rapeseed biodiesel. In conjunction the fitting of a new fuel tank along with University of Limerick, the with specialised cold testing equip- operation of these vehicles is be- ment and pressure sensors supplied Fibre being wrapped on Overhead Electricity Lines. ing monitored closely to determine by University of Limerick. which blend might be most suitable All going well, it is expected that for adoption in fleet vehicles. the results from these tests, more ESB Telecoms ESBT is a subsidiary company of With extreme sub zero tempera- relevant than ever judging by the ESB and was established in 2001. Its tures now seemingly becoming the weather experienced in Ireland Very few people in Ireland have mission is to make use of ESB’s ex- norm rather the exception in Ireland, over the winter months, will pro- ever heard of ESB Telecoms Ltd. tensive infrastructure, assets and re- it is now more important than ever vide vital information not only to There are no shops or outlets to be sources to make services available to to consider the operability of these Networks in relation to the opera- seen anywhere. You can’t walk into Telecom Operators on a commercial vehicles in cold weather. Extreme tion of ESB vehicles on biodiesel but a store and buy your broadband con- basis and at competitive rates. The cold weather can cause biodiesel to also to the wider biodiesel industry nection or your mobile phone service infrastructure and assets included crystallize and with further cooling, including third level institutions from ESB Telecoms Ltd (ESBT). This ESB’s many existing radio towers, Plaza Tower Structure in Grangecastle. to gel and eventually solidify, re- and research bodies worldwide. n begs the question – “What does ESB sub-stations and the extensive net- sulting in potential damage Telecoms do?” ESBT has featured in work of pylons and high voltage lines to fuel injection equipment, several recent issues of EM Articles that covers the country. clogging of filters and addi- included ESBT’s successful OHSAS tional engine maintenance. (Occupational Health and Safety Optical network To assess the starting abil- System) certification; it’s involve- By 2005, 1,300km of leading edge ity and the operability of ment in a new undersea telecoms fibre optic cable capable of transmit- vehicles on various blends cable between Ireland and the UK, ting virtually unlimited bandwidth, of biodiesel under extreme the provision of Broadband Services had been installed on t he 110kV lines. weather conditions, a small to schools throughout the Republic This is known as the NTFON (Na- Barry O’Gorman with the customised landrover research team, including prior to the trip to Italy. etc. In this feature Dermot Hopkins, tional Trunk Fibre Optic Network). Engineering Manager and Michelle Broadband Wireless operators then Montayne, Key Account Manager began using the NTFON to connect will hopefully address the question their regional networks to the ISPs for all ESB staff. (Internet Service Providers) in Dub- Networks withstand The main reason many people lin. Cable TV operators also began have not heard of the company is using it to carry digital TV signals to horrific weather conditions that ESBT is a wholesale provider their subscribers in urban locations The weather in the weeks prior There was a noted increase (50%) of telecommunications products outside Dublin. Global telecommuni- to Christmas 2010 was unseasonably in LV callouts associated with cus- and services. As such, it sells these cations operators who needed to pro- cold and, with considerable snowfall tomers overloading service fuses and services to other telecommunications vide services to multinational corpo- across the country, it had a signifi- snow accumulation causing minor lo- companies who in turn provide re- rations who had invested in Ireland cant impact on travel arrangements, calised problems. Calls were also re- tail services such as broadband and were using the network to connect Five Lamps Tower Structure being built. particularly road and air travel. ceived to switch out commercial and mobile phones throughout Ireland. to their other international locations There were problems with the wa- domestic properties due to flooding For instance, space on radio towers and to headquarters in the USA. licenced telecommunications opera- ter systems in many towns and the caused by burst pipes. located in ESB facilities is sold to mo- The Telecom Operations Centre tors for the installation of radio an- countryside for several weeks. Throughout this period, crews at- bile operators who in turn use that (TOC) in Telecoms Services man- tennae and they play a vital part in Low winds combined with the tended faults under difficult travel space to facilitate delivery of serv- ages the extensive telecommunica- the provision of mobile broadband, investment in the networks meant and weather conditions and the serv- ices to their subscribers. The fibre tions networks. It is from here that emergency services radio and com- that the cold weather and snow had ice was favourably commented on by network which is primarily built on the telecommunications services and mercial local radio stations. no significant physical impact on the customers. 110kV overhead electricity lines is infrastructure of both ESB Telecom distribution system. The Department of Communica- used, to provide high capacity con- Services and ESB Telecom Ltd. are People Increased demand was recorded tions, Energy and Natural Resources’ nections to other telecom operators, monitored 24x7x365. The TOC is a There are 43 staff in ESBT with most on the system with a new peak Emergency Committee requested, including mobile operators, who use peer-to-peer contact point between being located in ESB Head Office on of 5090MW recorded on the 21st and were provided with, regular up- that capacity to carry their telecom ESB’s telecommunications business- the ground floor of D block. Oth- December. dates on the electricity supply situa- traffic between major towns and cit- es and customers’ Control Centres. ers are located at regional locations Over the seven days between tion. Public relations officers replied ies. In many ways it performs for the around the country. Many of ESBT’s 22nd and 29th December, 1,316 to media requests regarding faults on telecoms industry a function that is Towers staff came originally from within faults were recorded on the system, the system. n analogous to the transmission net- In response to strong demand from ESB and others came from external 885 (67%) were low voltage, the work in the electricity sector. the emerging mobile phone industry, organisations, particularly telecoms remainder were on the MV system. So, when you make or receive a ESB began building towers for those companies, ensuring a healthy bal- Average supply restoration time mobile call it is likely that the call customers in 1996. When ESBT was ance of both ESB knowledge and was approximately 75 minutes. The is using ESBT’s network. Similarly, formed in 2001, which activity was telecoms industry expertise. National Customer Contact Centre when surfing the ‘Net, or indeed rolled into the new company. Since ESBT is a success story. A success (NCCC) logged 6,041 customer calls, viewing TV it is also likely that these then over 400 such sites have been that is entirely attributable to the which were dispatched through the services are being delivered to you in developed from urban locations in all dedication of its staff over the years. Distribution Control Centres. part at least via ESBT’s services. major cities including Dublin, Cork, Long may it continue. n www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ESB NETWORKS ltd 19 Wilton wins at 8th annual CEF Environmental awards Major investment in System Protection

(l-r): Patrick Treacy, Development Coordinator CEF; Eamonn Lyons, ESB Wilton; Jim O’Donovan, Cork City Council, Director of Services Community & Enterprise; presenting the award to Paul Cahill, Chairman Sustainability Committee, ESB Wilton with Val Warren, ESB Wilton and Michael Hobbs, Chairman CEF.

The Sustainability Group member for this award, likened their in ESB Wilton have won the Public work and spirit to that of a Transition Sector category in the Annual Cork Town group leading change in their Environmental Forum Awards. The own community. Group were commended for having The members of the Sustainability stimulated an extraordinary range Group in Wilton are: of work within their own organisa- Paul Cahill, Tom Healy, Willie tion, inspiring fellow employees and Heavin, Dave Carey, Kieran Hig- managers alike with their enthusi- gins, Martin Lynch, Alice Quin, asm to tackle the ecological footprint Liam Ring, Jim O Leary, John of their operations. Michael Hobbs, O’Donoghue, Val Warren, Pat Chairman of CEF and nominating Dromey (now retired). n

Tipp staff brave snow for Niall Whitmarsh seen uploading protection settings to a modern relay. McCarthy cup! System protection is a critical mation to facilitate effective asset tion. The team, consisting of Hugh component of the electricity system management. Borland, Martin O’Leary, Frank that allows for the isolation of faults • Development of smart networks Bredin, Pat Gilboy, Cathal Shivnen, to minimise the risk to staff, mem- through: Niall Whitmarsh, Gerry Butler and bers of the public and equipment • Automated fault isolation and Stephen Walsh, is responsible for from injury and damage. supply restoration. managing protection equipment in In recent years, there has been sig- • Improved continuity and outage all primary substations and down- nificant development in the technol- information to customers. line on the distribution networks. ogy used in the protection of electric- • Integration of technologies de- “In addition to the usual work ity systems. The electromechanical ployed on the system, including associated with network analysis relays that have served the industry SCADA and other operation man- and issuing protection settings,” The 2010 Christmas staff get-together for Tipp staff was held at Tipperary Golf Club. over many decades are being re- agement systems. says Stephen, “The investment pro- Michael Clohessy, EO Tipperary, kindly brought the Liam McCarthy Cup to the placed by modern microprocessor- •New system protection schemes gramme provides additional chal- celebration. Mike (pictured directly under the cup) was masseur to Tipperary Senior Hurling 2010 All Ireland Champions. Pictured are Back Row (l-r) Noel Ryan, Sean controlled technology. arising from embedded generation. lenges to the section to coordinate Bohan, Tom Cantwell, Keith Kerns, Philip Quirke, Jerry O Neill, Brian O Sullivan, Dan ESB Networks manages and It is forecast that this will exceed the protection upgrade, settings and Hayes, Kevin Breen, Ed Hunt, Francis Ryan, Peter Ryan, Michael Buckley, Francis operates more than 560 primary 1,500MW, which brings it own refurbishment programme with Pro- Buckley, Michael O Connell, Martin Ryan and Joe Hogan CS. Centre Row (l-r) John substations at 110kV & 38kV and challenges in protection systems gramme Management, HV Stations, Heuston, Colm Noonan, Ger O Neill, Con Moloney AM, Mossie Noonan, Geraldine 160,000km of overhead & under- and power-flow management. ESBI and Network Projects. The re- Fitzgerald, Jerry King, Margaret Hayes EO, Dave Whelan, Noreen Kinane, Brenda Ryan and Tom Healy. Front Row (l-r) Martin Ryan, Mike Quigley, Bernard O Connell CSS and ground network covering all the ward is that ESB Networks will have Michael Clohessy EO. voltages from 110kV to 230V. In the System Protection Section in place protection systems required submission for the transmission and The System Protection Section in for the safe management and op- distribution price review 3 (PR3), Asset Management is responsible for eration of the smart networks of the Snowed under at funding of €30m was approved for ensuring that the system protection future.” n investment in the replacement and policy reflects best practice for the DSS Ballycoolin upgrade of some of the 12,000 relays distribution system and is coordinat- Further information available from Stephen on the system. ed with transmission system protec- at [email protected] or Ext: 27638. Stephen Walsh, System Protection Section Manager, says, “This invest- ment is timely, because, apart from the obsolescence and maintenance issues associated with electrome- chanical relays, there are a number of challenges in the management and operation of the distribution system that are driving change and protec- tion upgrade.”

Among the drivers are: • Better quality of supply through Paul Meade of Dublin Supply Store in Ballycoolin clearing areas around the Depot improved coordination and fast during the recent bad weather. The snow was falling so thick and fast that, similar to clearance times for faults. Dublin Airport, once an area was cleared it quickly covered over again! Photo by Tony Carroll, • Requirement for improved fault Ballycoolin. and network performance infor- Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em 20 Safety Energy International Conference ESBI, page 23 Technology and Innovation central theme at Annual Conference

The 1.2MW SeaGen device in Strangford Lough. ESBI Ocean ESBI Ocean Energy to Energy i feature in BBC gclárfaisnéise Presenters at ESBI Engineering Solutions’ conference in Croke Park. Documentary BBC

ESBI ESBI ESBI Callaghan Ahern, Jane Smith, Robert As part of a special feature on Mar chuid de ghnéchlár speisialta ESBI Engineering Solutions’ Arthur and Bryan Nunan of the renewable energy in Northern Ire- ar fhuinneamh in-athnuaite i dTuais- Overhead Lines Inspections team, annual conference recently took Asset Management Services, ESBI land, Colm de Búrca, Manager of ceart Éireann, cuireadh agallamh place in Croke Park with Technol- Engineering. ESBI Ocean Energy, was recently in- ar Colm de Búrca, Bainisteoir ESBI ogy and Innovation as its central terviewed in for a BBC docu- Ocean Energy, do chlár faisnéise dár theme. Trading by Fergus Sheils; Carbon mentary entitled Luí na Talín. The teideal “Luí na Talún”. Sa chlár seo, a The conference, which was host- Solutions by Joe Duignan and Uch programme, which is produced in léirítear i nGaeilge, fiosraítear na teic- ed by Noel Caffrey of ESBI Human Power Project, Pakistan by Jim the Irish language, explores different neolaíochtaí in-athnuaite difriúla agus Resources, opened with an address Lorraine Carrabin, Accountant and McLoughlin. renewable technologies and focuses dírítear ar an bpáirt atá ag ESBI maidir by ESBI Engineering Solutions Emma Kenny, Financial Analyst, ESBI The conference was a huge success on ESBI’s involvement in ocean en- le fuinneamh an aigéin, le béim áirithe Investments. Acting Manager Billy Byrne. Both and feedback from participants has ergy, with particular emphasis on ar fhuinneamh taoide i dTuaisceart ESB Energy International Executive Chief Executive Padraig McManus been very positive. n tidal energy in . Éireann. Tá an clár le craoladh ag deir- Director Pat O’Doherty and ESB addressed the conference. The programme is scheduled to air eadh mhí an Mhárta seo. Equality & Diversity Manager Copies of the presentations are available by in late March of this year. Bhí baint ag ESBI le hearnáil fuin- Joyce Farrell and EAP’s Niall contacting [email protected]. ESBI has had a presence in nimh an aigéin atá ag teacht chun cinn O’Connor made presentations on Northern Ireland’s emerging ocean i dTuaisceart Éireann le blianta beaga Equality and Diversity and Fin- energy sector for some time. It anuas. Leanann sé air an comhoibriú barr Quigley of ESBI Engineering continues to collaborate with Ma- le Marine Current Turbines (MCT) ar also spoke regarding Partnership rine Current Turbines (MCT) on an tionscadal SeaGen i Loch Cuan, an in ESBI. the SeaGen project in Strangford tuirbín ghaile is mó agus is cumhachtaí Presentations on Technology and Lough, the largest and most pow- ar domhan. Tá an tuirbín atá 1.2MW Innovation were made by staff erful tidal stream turbine in the agus a bhuaigh dámhachtain, i bhfei- members from across all business world. The award-winning 1.2MW dhm ó mhí Aibreáin 2008, agus an- lines, including: HV Substation De- turbine has been in operation since uraidh seachadadh a 2 mhilliúnú kWh sign by Colm Twomey; Preventing Padraig McManus, Chief Executive, April 2008 and last year delivered de chumhacht go dtí an eangach. Tá an System Blackouts by Oliver Sim- ESB, chatting to Sean Atkinson, UK its two-millionth kWh of power to chumhacht seo á díol le custaiméirí ó Pat O’Doherty, Executive Director, ESB Business Development Director and John Energy International, addressing the cox; Moneypoint Environmental McSweeney, Manager, ESBI Investments. the grid. This power is being sold Thuaisceart Éireann ag ESB Independ- conference. Retrofit Project by Declan Whyte; to Northern Ireland customers by ent Energy. ESB Independent Energy. Faoi láthair, tá ESBI agus MCT ag Both ESBI and MCT are cur- obair le chéile chun togra a chur faoi rently working together to submit bhráid an Bhabhta Léasaithe Muirí atá a proposal to the forthcoming Ma- ag teacht i dTuaisceart Éireann chun rine Leasing Round in Northern Aontú do Léas a dhaingniú ó Eastát Ireland to secure an Agreement na Corónach d’fhonn toiliú foirmiúil for Lease from the Crown Estate to le haghaidh tionscadail taoide amach commence formal consenting for a ó chósta Aontroma. Má éiríonn leis, tidal project off the Antrim coast. d’fhéadfadh céim thosaigh an tion- John McSweeney, Manager, ESBI If successful, the initial phase of the scadail, ina n-úsáidfear an fheiste MCT Investments and Mick Mackey, Head of project, which will use the MCT SeaGen, a bheith i bhfeidhm faoi 2016. Engineering, ESBI Engineering Solutions, listening attentively to presentations SeaGen device, could be in opera- Fortheideal: An fheiste 1.2MW Sea- Attendees at ESBI Engineering Solutions’ conference in Croke Park. during the conference. tion by 2016. n Gen i Loch Cuan. n www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL 21

and construction of these projects further overseas contracts and ul- and is responsible for managing con- timately brought about the formal ESBI reaches 35 year tracts totalling €900m. establishment of ESBI in 1989. Since Although EWA remains ESBI’s then, ESBI has continued to con- largest client in the country, other solidate its international reputation, milestone in Bahrain leading Bahraini companies such as working across four continents and ALBA, GPIC, Civil Aviation Affairs, numerous cultural and geographic PART 1 Bapco and the Central Municipal environments. Council have also sought the serv- Over the years, ESBI’s reputation ices of ESBI over the years. for engineering excellence enabled it From day one, ESB staff estab- to pursue new market opportunities, lished a strong rapport with their including the operations and main- Bahraini counterparts, discovering tenance of power plants around the that they shared common family world and more recently the invest- values, respect for one another and a ment in and development of power belief that, as small nations with big- stations overseas. Today, it is a major ger, more powerful neighbours, they growth vehicle for ESB, driving for- have an important role to play on the ward an agenda to further expand its world stage. international presence, thus contrib- ESB’s success in Bahrian led to uting to the future competitive posi- tioning of the company. n Mark Halpin and Paul Murphy, ESBI pictured with Dr. Abdulmajeed Bab al-Bahrain Ali Al-Awadhi, Chief Executive

(Bahrain Gate), Manama. Hidd 675MW The Phase II CCGT Power Plant. of EWA and Dr. Khalid Ahmed Burashid, Deputy Chief Executive, Planning and Projects, EWA at elled to Bahrain with their families CCGT Power Plant, one of Bahrain’s ESBI the Emergency Transformers to share their knowledge and expe- largest generating stations, which Replacement Project contract rience with their Bahraini counter- was commissioned in 2004. signing, May 2010. 2011 marks an important mile- parts. This co-operation extended Today, Bahrain has a modern stone for ESBI. 35 years ago this across the full range of utility opera- and efficient electricity system that year, ESB embarked on its first tions from commercial activities such is continually being expanded and overseas consultancy assignment in as bill collection to planning and de- upgraded to cope with increased EM will run the Kingdom of Bahrain – an event sign of the distribution networks. demand. Since 2000, demand has a feature on which eventually led to the estab- Over time, ESB’s role in Bahrain increased by approximately nine ‘ESB in Bahrain’ lishment of ESB International in expanded into the provision of con- per cent a year, leading to a peak de- in the next 1989 and contributed significantly to sultancy services to support new in- mand of 2,708MW in August 2010, three issues Ireland’s reputation for engineering vestment in the compared with just 170MW in 1976 excellence around the world. Since country’s trans- when ESB first arrived. ESB’s IT Team in this first assignment, ESBI has gone mission system. ESB’s success ESBI currently has 45 resident Bahrain in 1984. on to deliver projects in more than This included “in Bahrian led to staff in Bahrain and is working with 115 countries and has established it- support for the further overseas EWA on several major projects relat- self as a leading international energy engineering and contracts ing to distribution system planning consultant. construction and the expansion and development The origins of ESB’s first over- of sub-stations, of the transmission and distribution seas project can be traced back to lines, under- infrastructure. This includes the 1972 when an engineer called Kha- ground cables Transmission Development 2007 – lid Abdul Wahab Al Khan from the and the system control centre. 2011 Project which will double the Bahrain State Electricity Directorate The first Gas Insulated Substations size of the current 220kV network (BSED) came to work in Dublin with and XLPE cables were commissioned and increase the 66kV network by ESB. in 1978 and many other projects one third. ESBI is supporting EWA in Khalid’s return home coincided were to follow. A long and lasting the engineering design, procurement with a period of significant invest- relationship was forged between the New emergency transformers installed in ment in Bahrain’s infrastructure, two organisations which continues to Bahrain last year under the supervision made possible by the influx of capi- this day with the Electricity and of ESBI. tal to the Gulf region as a result of Water Authority (EWA), a suc- soaring oil prices. Between 1974 and cessor to the BSED and the Min- BAHRAIN 1977, electricity demand in Bahrain istry of Electricity and Water. fact sheet doubled, putting enormous strain on Although ESBI’s role in Bah- the BSED to rapidly expand the dis- rain has largely focused on the • Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy governed by the Al Khalifa tribution network. transmission and distribution royal family. In contrast, electricity demand in systems, it also acted as Owner’s • There is a population of just over 1.05 million people – approxi- Ireland was falling in response to the Engineer on the development mately one third of whom are non-nationals. oil crisis in the West and ESB was in of the 675MW Hidd Phase II • The total area of the Kingdom is 770 sq km, slightly larger than the a position to offer trained and expe- Isle of Man. rienced staff to assist BSED in the • 92 per cent of Bahrain is desert. planning and expansion of its distri- • It is connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. bution network. • Oil was discovered in Bahrain in 1932. Khalid’s knowledge of ESB and his • Bahrain has a 240 Volt (3 pin) electricity system. enthusiasm for Ireland prompted him • Electricity demand has increased by an average of 9% per year since to persuade the Director of Electrici- 2000. ty, Jamil Al Alawi to visit Dublin and • Peak electricity demand grew from 170MW in 1976 to 2,708MW in meet with ESB. Following a number 2010. of meetings, contracts were signed • Electricity demand in Bahrain is expected to continue rising to and the first phase of co-operation 4,365MW by 2019. started in 1976. • Bahrain’s electricity network includes 5,000 distribution stations, 80 Over 50 people: engineers, ac- high-voltage stations, 8,000 km of underground cables and 450 km countants, technicians, instructors of high-voltage overhead lines. and managers subsequently trav- Bahrain Round Ireland Relay 1984 ESB Team. 22 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em Maurice O’ Connell An Engineer hangs up his harness Abroad

ESBI ESBI 8 SBI Mechanical Engineer A large gathering assembled in Daniel Ahern tells us about his Stephen Court on Friday December international assignment to 10 to mark the retirement of Maurice Rousch Power Plant in Pakistan. O’Connell, the ‘grandfather’ of over- head line maintenance and inspection. I joined ESBI in 2007 and began Asset Management Services Maurice O’Connell (right) being presented my engineering career as part of the with a gift by Mick Sherlock, Manager Asset Manager Mick Sherlock welcomed Management Services, ESBI Engineering, to Aghada CCGT Project Head Office Maurice, his wife Kay, sons David celebrate his many years in ESB. Team. In 2008, I transferred to the and Barry, daughters Caron and Site Team in Aghada, and remained Maeve, as well as colleagues from his role in developing procedures there until just after the plant’s first across ESBI/ESB to acknowledge for carrying out energised climbing fire. My next project brought me Maurice’s retirement. patrols on transmission overhead to Vietnam, where I worked as a Mick outlined the long and fruit- lines. His contribution to the intro- Commissioning Engineer on the ful career of the Kerryman. As an duction of live-working techniques Hai Phong 1200MW Coal Fired innocent young boy from Abbey- to 110kV pole and hardware was Plant. Having completed my as- dorney, Maurice arrived in the Tral- considerable. He also encouraged signment in Hai Phong, I moved to ee depot on his brand new Rudge and embraced new technologies Coolkeeragh Power Plant in Derry three-speed sports bicycle on Au- in condition-based monitoring of where I was responsible for the Gas gust 3rd 1962 and began his ESB overhead line conductors and com- Turbine Generator & Auxiliaries career in general line work. Dem- ponents, such as hand held infra-red Scope during the major outage. Daniel Ahern, Mechanical Engineer, ESBI, pictured on international assignment at onstrating a high level of commit- camera and corona inspections. I was then assigned to Rousch Rousch Power Plant, Pakistan. ment and aptitude from day one, he Maurice thanked everyone Power Plant in Pakistan, where was quickly identified as a potential present before finishing off with his ESBI is the Operations and Mainte- working on various calculations and time in Rousch more enjoyable. linesman. He then turned his atten- own description of what life working nance (O&M) Contractor. My role reports. However, at the end of each tion to survey work and moved to in ESBI/ESB using his well known was to complete numerous projects day I found time for some sports, be Life as an ESBI Engineer Transmission Department. This was phrase - you know yourself. on site including: a gas turbine per- it soccer, tennis or squash. Life as an ESBI Engineer is very a momentous decision for Maurice, The celebrations continued later formance upgrade study, an analy- rewarding. Professionally, I am con- as it meant he could no longer reside in McGrattan’s where a very enjoy- sis of the process water systems and Highlights stantly being challenged by, but also in his beloved Kerry. able evening was spent discussing work on the outage schedule for What do I like most? Well, apart learning from, the people I work Maurice spent his working life on one of Maurice’s passions, GAA – November 2010. from getting the chance to gain with. Teamwork is really empha- the commissioning and maintenance specifically Kerry football. It was intensive CCGT experience, I sised in ESBI, which benefits young- of transmission overhead lines. His a particular joy for Maurice to see A typical day in Rousch would have to say the people. I er engineers especially, as you can contribution to this area of work the very large number of retired col- Each day brought new challenges, was made very welcome by the always voice your opinion as well was recognised when he was asked leagues present for his retirement. as the site prepared for the Novem- staff and integrated seamlessly as learn from more experienced to take on responsibility for manag- In a career spanning almost five ber outage. I attended the daily sen- into life at Rousch. In the eve- people and it makes you more con- ing the activities of the line inspec- decades, Maurice made a huge con- ior management meetings and spent nings, we played a football match fident in your own abilities. Cultur- tors and the Conflicts and Arbitra- tribution to the success and security a lot of time working closely with on the site pitch. I also doubled as ally, I have travelled to, and lived in, tion teams in ESBI. His knowledge of ESB Networks overhead lines from the plant maintenance and opera- a centre midfielder on the success- many interesting places worldwide, and expertise in this area gained 38kV to 400kV, as well as associated tions teams planning works for the ful Rousch Team that defeated getting exposure to numerous dif- him both the support and respect of sub-stations from both a managerial outage. My design projects ensured Siemens, for the Perpetual Rousch ferent cultures and climates, all as all staff throughout the ESBI/ESB. and hands-on perspective. that I spent some time in the office Cup, all of which has made my part of my full time job. n The highlights of Maurice’s We wish Maurice a long and hap- achievements in his career include py life in retirement. n tive whiteboards in all classrooms. St. Brigid’s National School The boards cost over €11,000 and overjoyed with new equipment local fund-raising over the past three years raised €5,500. This was Smart Electricity World achieved through sponsored walks, clothes collections and bag packs – a MEWA 2011 Conference huge effort from a school commu- Mick also led two panel sessions nity with only 70 children. ESBI dealing respectively with: Last year, the Department of Edu- Mick Mackey, Head of Engi- • Meeting increasing electricity de- cation and Science provided a grant neering, ESBI Engineering partici- mand through smart grids. of almost €4,000, which brought St. pated in the Smart Electricity World • Exporting electricity power sur- Brigid’s within reach of its goal, but MEWA 2011 Conference recently plus to other countries through with a shortfall of €1,500. It was then held in Dubai. Mick presented a smart girds. that ESB Energy International stepped paper entitled “Reconstructing the in with their donation and made it Distribution Network to enable possible for the equipment to be in- Smart Grids”. The paper focused stalled. The whiteboards are now up on two topics: and running in all classes which ben- • How future distribution networks efits every child in the school. n will be operated to accommodate Kieran Tubridy, Community Liaison Officer with ESB Independent Generation, pictured the smart network concept; what at presentation of cheque to staff and pupils of St. Brigid’s National School. this will mean in terms of both primary and secondary plant. ESBIg delighted to be presented with a • The status of smart network de- Mick Mackey, Head of Engineering, cheque for €1,500 by ESB Energy The Wind Blows! velopment in Ireland in general ESBI Engineering presenting at the The pupils, staff and board International. These funds are be- Smart Electricity World MEWA 2011 At Moneypoint and in ESB in particular. Conference in Dubai. of management of St.Brigid’s Na- ing used to help achieve the school’s page 25 tional School, Drumkeerin, were long-standing aim of having interac- www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL 23 ESBEI Safety

Recently fertilised salmon eggs laid out within the hatchery unit at Parteen. Conference

Tom O’Brien with a male ‘cock’ prior to stripping. Addressing ESBEI’s first Annual Safety Conference, Billy Byrne, Human Resources Manager, ESB Conservation and Energy International. restoration of the Shannon salmon population

GENERATION OPERATIONS

The ESB Salmon Hatchery, located at Parteen Weir, has been a hive of Pictured at ESBEI Safety Conference were Shane Cooney, West Offaly activity over the past two months Power; Keith O’Leary, Ken Lynch and Damien O’Keeffe, ESBI Engineering. with fertilised ova being taken from salmon throughout the month of December and placed in hatch- ESB Energy International strengths around safety processes, Pictured during safety workshop at ing trays from which the fry will welcomed over 200 delegates to while developing a common set of ESBEI Safety Conference were Niall emerge in mid-March. This work is its first annual Safety and Health safety values and behaviours to un- Brennan, Poolbeg; Ciaran McManus, Group Safety Manager, ESB Energy co-ordinated by Tom O’Brien, with conference in Dublin on Thursday derpin our vision of delivering our International; and Clare Duffy, Manager, the involvement of Midlands-based January 20th. business activities safely. ESBI Consultants. staff Tom Clancy, Peter Devery, PJ A hatching tray with recently fertilised As the first amalgamated safety The day was interspersed with Cannon, Kieran Kelly, John De- salmon eggs in the hatchery unit at conference across all ESBEI busi- presentations and workshops, with and Fiona Kennedy, Group Safety, very, Noel Guinan, Pat Kelly, Tom Parteen. nesses, line managers, team leaders the underlying theme of developing ESBEI; Ken Johnston, Asset Man- Byrne, John O’Shea, Sean Lynam, College Cork, Inland Fisheries Ire- and safety operatives throughout a common set of safety values for ager, Generation Assets & Trading; Pat Corbett and James Egan. land and the Marine Institute. ESBEI attended the safety lead- ESBEI business. The day’s proceed- John McManus, Asset Manager, Along with the usual hatchery op- The Project Strat- ership session to share and learn ings also included the formal launch ESB Independent Generation; John eration this year, ESB Fisheries are egy aims: (1) to identify and protect from each other whilst building a of ESB’s Risk Assessment video. Walsh and Padraig Moroney, ESBI delighted to be involved in a new residual populations of both wild common understanding of how to Brian Gray of ESBEI Group Engineering; Michael O’Grady, innovative multi-partner project and ESB-hatchery restocked salmon communally manage and further Safety, who was host of the event, ESB Wind Development and Kil- that aims to restore the threatened through electrical fishing surveys; (2) improve our safety performance. commented, “Many thanks to all lian O’Shea, ESBI Engineering; Jim Atlantic salmon population of the to identify and relieve fish access is- ESB Energy International Execu- participants who made the event Corcoran, ESBI O&M Solutions; Ma- River Shannon. sues at sites such as weirs and culverts tive Director Pat O’Doherty, opened such a success. A special mention jella Henchion, Generation Opera- The Atlantic Aquatic Resource and to continue a tributary specific the conference with his safety mes- is also necessary for our presenters, tions and finally to Billy Byrne, RH Conservation (AARC) Project is ESB restocking plan; (3) to select can- sage for 2011. He emphasised the Ciarán McManus, Group Safety Manager, ESBEI for facilitating the an EU inter-regional collaborative didate genetic material for restoration need to continue to develop our Manager, ESBEI; James Matthews smooth running of the event.” n project looking at improving the populations; and (4) to assess suitable conservation status of migratory fish locations for the re-establishment of species throughout Europe. Threats populations of salmon. Lively debate between John McManus, Asset Manager, to these life-histories from human The project will help ESB Fisher- Pat O’Doherty, ESB Independent Generation and Larry Staines, Business Development Manager, ESBI Investments. activities have contributed to the de- ies and IFI to increase understand- Executive Director, ESB Energy cline of many European migratory ing of some of the factors causing International fish species such as Atlantic Salmon, the decline of salmon in the Shan- addresses ESBEI’s European Eel, Sea Trout and Sea- non. Also, the merits of the con- first Annual Safety Lamprey. The project is benefiting tinued use of the Parteen hatchery Conference. from over €1m of EU-funding and stock for the long-term restocking of ESB’s partners include University the catchment located above the hy- droelectric station will be evaluated. The project will also provide an im- portant impetus by identifying the current status of salmon production in the Shannon, while helping to co- ordinate the ESB fisheries strategy with that of the national authorities and scientific institutions and by applying genetic knowledge to pro- vide a basis for the rehabilitation of salmon in the upper Shannon. n Pictured during the safety workshop were Eoin O’Brien, Some of the hatchery staff involved Further details on this EU funded project may Engineering Manager, Civil and Structural Engineering, ESBI with the Parteen hatchery based AARC be found at: www.aarcproject.org or from Dr. Engineering; Rory McGowan, Settlements Manager, ET&R, project. (l-r): Mr. Sean Lynam, Tommy Generation Assets and Trading; Jacinta Ryan, Senior Project Colgan, PJ Cannon, Pat Corbett and Denis Doherty (ESB Fisheries Biologist), Manager, Project Management Office, ESBI Engineering and Peter Devery. [email protected]. Nicholas Tarrant, Manager, Generation Operations. A large turnout for ESBEI’s first annual Safety Conference. 24 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

Appreciation Appreciation wall in the cavern in Turlough Hill. Rory organised the Bray Rowing Club to paint the murals which had DOMINIC RORY Safety, Environment and Equality & Life & Times MCNAMARA DOYLE R.I.P Diversity themes. It is with deep It is with great The murals were signed by both the regret that we sadness that we Bray Rowing Club and by the school heard of the death learned of the children from Laragh National School of an ESBI of Dominic (‘Dom’) death of our es- who designed them. Rory’s signature McNamara. Dom teemed work amongst many others will remain on joined the staff at colleague Rory those murals in the years ahead. Engineer Ardnacrusha in 1978 where his ini- Doyle on Saturday January 8th. Rory Rory had many loves in his life - tial appointment was on the recep- was a great family man, a man of wit, his family, his music and a great love tion and switchboard. a friend to many and a much appreci- of the sea. He was widely respected ESBI outages. A site report is then writ- At that time, this was a very busy ated work colleague. in rowing circles and especially in ten and presented to EirGrid,” ex- and responsible job, given that all Rory and, indeed, his extended his beloved Bray Rowing Club. The plained Claire. incoming and outgoing calls came family have had close links with ESB news of Rory’s passing was greeted 8 Claire Looney, Client Engineer, One project Claire is currently through the switchboard and Ar- down the years. His father Jimmy with sadness across the world. A EirGrid, tells to us about her role working on is the Glanagow – Raf- dnacrusha Generating Station was had an outstanding career in ESB six-man rowing crew are currently with the EirGrid Account Team. feen 220kV Cable. This project also the Hydro Region HQ, as well and his sister Sinead is currently attempting to break the record for involves installing a second cable as the administration base for Fish- working in Head Office. rowing the Atlantic Ocean. In 2003, Claire was awarded connection across Cork harbour eries Protection. Dom displayed all Rory started his career in Head The Sara G left Tarfaya in Mo- a student placement in the ESBI and consists of approximately 7.4 that is good in customer service in Office where he worked in Security. rocco in early January bound for Cork office with the Overhead km of 220kV land cable and 4.4 dealing with staff and public alike He later moved to ESB Networks in Barbados. The crew includes the ex- Lines Team. Then in 2004, having km of submarine cable. Claire ex- – professional, efficient, courteous Leopardstown Road, working both perienced ocean rower Rob Byrne graduated with BEng in Electrical plains, “At this stage, designs are and trustworthy. with the Cable Crews and in the from Bray. Upon hearing the sad and Electronic Engineering from nearing completion, material is From the beginning of his ca- Drawing Office. He moved to Tur- news mid Atlantic, the crew paid a UCC, Claire joined the High Volt- ordered, ducting and trenching is reer, Dom made many friends lough Hill in 2004. Rory will be re- fitting respect to Rory by shipping age Cables Team as cable engineer taking place and the submarine both in the station and in the wider membered as always being eager to their oars for a minute’s silence. and project co-ordinator. “It was a cable is due to be laid in February ESB community. Those friends re- lend a hand to his work colleagues. Rory will be sadly missed by his role which afforded me experience 2011.” mained friends for life, a measure A perfect example of this was his family, friends and former work col- in many different areas from scop- Claire believes that her biggest of the type of person Dom was. being instrumental in organising the leagues throughout ESB. May He ing to commissioning, exposure achievement to date was co-ordi- Always anxious to broaden his painting of murals on a section of Rest in Peace. n to project management and the nating the Muingnaminnane Wind horizons and expand his knowl- opportunity to travel to different Farm connection in Tralee. “This edge, Dom decided to take on countries,” said Claire. was the longest 110kV cable in- the role of shop steward and for Currently, Claire works as client stalled on the ESB network at the a number of years was a familiar engineer to EirGrid on the EirGrid time at 14km. It was a challenging face in Dublin and other locations Key Account Team. The team is re- project involving a wind-farm de- where he was involved in various sponsible for all of EirGrid’s bids, veloper, possible future connec- negotiations around agreements tenders and contracts. The client tions to a planned 110kV station, and change. This brought a new engineers act on behalf of EirGrid liaisons with the council and dimension to his career and one on the detailed design, construc- t h i r d - p a r t y l a n d o w n e r s , a s w e l l he enjoyed thoroughly for many tion and commissioning phases of as design and construction of the years. With his usual enthusiasm transmission projects. circuit”. Dom got involved in local staff “A typical day for me is most Claire enjoys the people and ver- initiatives and gave his all to any- likely out on site. Having reviewed satility of her job, ‘which involves thing he was involved in. His car- site drawings, I visit the site to ob- travelling to different sites through- ing nature always came through in serve ongoing and completed work, out the country, design reviews in anything he took on and this was a Mairead Luttrel and Patricia Friend-Pereira pictured during their placement with ESBI’s review progress and identify any the office, and factory acceptance side of Dom that many of his col- Civil & Structural team. issues. This is achieved by liaising testing abroad’. She added: “The leagues recognised. with ESB Network’s project leader, EirGrid Key Account team is an Dom was an enthusiastic follow- site supervisor and the contracts exceptional team to work with er of soccer and rugby, particularly Civil & Structural site manager. Most of the focus is and the general work atmosphere . Up to the end Dom on availability of materials and de- in ESBI is very positive and enjoy- remained a loyal follower and it was sign and the likelihood of meeting able.” n a source of great pride to him that Student Placements Mick Galway visited him during his but a friendly and helpful work envi- ESBI short illness and he had a memora- ronment eased our transition into the ble night organised by some of his workplace. many friends in Thomond Park the 8 Mairead Luttrel and Patricia During our work placement, we got week before he passed away. Friend-Pereira talk about their involved in some challenging and in- Dom travelled the world in his later six-month work placement with novative projects. We were involved years – with his mother and close fam- the Civil & Structural Team. with site investigation and peat stabil- ily on holiday and with his rugby pals ity analysis for wind farm sites and to various matches, including a trip to We are in the final year of our Civ- with piling projects for overhead line the World Cup in Australia. His un- il Engineering with Business Master’s towers. This gave us an insight into the timely death brought great sadness to at UCD. The key reason we choose practical applications of engineering his family, huge circle of friends and this master’s degree was the prospect design and showed us the relevance his colleagues in Ardnacrusha, which of having the opportunity to under- of what we learned at university. was dear to his heart. take a six-month work placement During the six months, we gained He bore his illness with extreme with some of leading civil not only important technical skill but courage and remained upbeat to engineering companies. We were also valuable experience working as the end and caring of all those he both selected for interviews with part of a multi-disciplined interna- loved and held in high regard. We ESBI, which was our first choice com- tional organisation. extend our deepest sympathy to pany and we were delighted when We would like to thank everyone his mother Philly, his sons Ken- we were informed that we had been who helped us along the way and for neth and Dominic, grandchildren, offered placements. giving us this fantastic opportunity to brothers, sisters, extended family We came to ESBI with no industry be part of such a successful interna- and friends. n experience, like many of our peers, tional organisation. n Claire Looney, ESBI Engineering on site at the new Marina GIS 110kV station in Cork. www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL 25

is GSM-enabled allowing the tur- bine to be remotely monitored and controlled over the internet or by mobile phone. The CF11 has so far contributed over 15MW to the house load of the station, representing substantial CO2 savings. The current incentive schemes available place the pay- back period for such a machine to be 15 to 25 years, putting this renew- able technology in the category of a long-term sustainability initiative, but through a competitive tendering TNBJ Management and ESBI staff at the final presentation. and negotiating process coordinated Andrew Whittingham and on site by Peadar Garvey and Paddy Hj Azaman Talib enjoying Flanagan, the unit was purchased a light hearted moment. and erected at a much reduced price ESBI completes O&M The CF11 wind turbine with Moneypoint Power Station in the background. and is expected to realise a payback contract and bids farewell to in four to five years.n A good wind blows Manjung Power Plant, Malaysia colleagues ESBI has come to know ESBI over the five years at site. TNBJ across Moneypoint Power Plant Manager Hj Azaman ESBI’s contract at the Talib praised ESBI staff for their align the turbine into the wind, fur- 2,100MW coal fired power plant significant contribution during GENERATION OPERATIONS ther improving performance. This at Manjung in Malaysia ended in their time at Manjung. In response, method is usually only employed September 2010. ESBI has been as- Andrew Whittingham said, “We As part of Moneypoint’s sustain- in much larger wind turbines. C&F sociated with the plant since 2005, will leave Manjung with a sad heart ability programme, an 11kW wind claim these features make their tur- when the company entered into a but with many good memories, and generator has been connected to the bines the most efficient micro tur- two-and-a-half year operations and don’t forget, ESBI is only a phone internal station network. Located bines in the world. The turbine is maintenance contract, followed by call away in the future.” opposite the main entrance gate at supported by a 15m monopole gal- a technical services contract. ESBI O&M Solutions Asia Portfo- the main road, the generator was vanised steel mast capable of with- The close out meeting at the plant lio Manager Jim Murray expressed designed, built and installed by C&F standing hurricane force winds. was attended by technical services ‘a special thanks to all ESBI staff Green Energy, a wholly-owned Irish The blades are made from carbon staff including: Andrew Whitting- who have worked at Manjung over company, based in Athenry, Co. fibre reinforced polypropylene, re- ham, Robert Fothergill, Leonard the years’. n Galway. puted to be stronger than steel. An Traynor and administration man- The CF11 is a permanent-magnet electro-mechanical brake acts as a ager Suresh Kumar. air-cooled generator with automatic fail safe backup to the blade pitch At the official launch of the 11KW C&F ESBI presented a memento to the pitch-blade control. This allows pow- brake and this will engage auto- wind turbine are: (l-r) John Casey, John station, which was accepted on be- er production at very low, as well as matically on detection of a fault by Wall, Fergus Daly, Damon Murphy, Tom half of the plant owner, Tenaga Na- Sexton KTL, Paddy Flanagan, John at very high, wind speeds. A wind the turbine’s microprocessor. This Flaherty C&F and Glenn Pope, Station sional Berhad Janamanjung (TNBJ), direction vane activates a motor to microprocessor, developed by C&F, Manager. by the Head of Maintenance, Mo- hammed Othman. In return, TNBJ presented ESBI with a traditional Malay vase, typical of the region. Grouselodge The final day on site was an infor- mal affair with kind words spoken Andrew Whittingham’s presentation to Safety Incentive Scheme by many of the good friends and Mohammed Othman.

ESBI No head for heights! Two charities in Limerick both received donations of €400 with a view, the falcon box was com- under a safety incentive scheme missioned and installed half way up that has been implemented across the chimney stack (360 feet). all of ESB’s wind-farm projects. The falcon box was designed and Under the scheme, donations are constructed under the supervision given to local charities and other of Michael McAndrew and when organisations each month if the the nesting season commences again target of zero lost time incidents this year, the breeding pair are ex- (LTIs) is achieved. In this case, the pected to take up residence. n target was achieved at Grouselodge wind farm and the donation was The east stack with the falcon jointly sponsored by ESBI and La- Cormac O’Connor inspecting the falcon box installed at the halfway level. gan. Workers on the site selected box prior to its attachment to the stack. the two charities to receive the do- nations – Limerick School for the GENERATION OPERATIONS Blind and Saint Gabriel’s School for Back row: ESBI Site Manager Ed Fitzgerald and Paul Allen of Lagan Construction. Front row: Lagan Construction Site Manager Colm O’Connor presenting €400 to the Disabled. Limerick School for the Blind School Principal Maria McNamara, Student Andrea A chimney inspection last year Grouselodge is a 15MW wind Purcell and Teacher Olivia Shiels. provided Moneypoint Power Sta- farm comprising six turbines, tion with the ideal opportunity to which is currently being developed by Lagan. Grid connection works plant contract. Turbine erection by install a custom-made falcon box. by ESB Wind Development. Con- are currently being carried out by Nordex is expected to commence A pair of falcons have made a home struction is substantially advanced ESB Networks, and Kirby is work- in February. n for themselves in the station grounds, with civil works almost completed ing on the electrical balance of but with their preference for a room 26 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em Visit by Athlone-based Probus Club to Lough Ree Power Liam Doyle ‘for the excellent pres- entation he gave with clarity and wit and for his ability to describe technical complexities in layman’s terms’. The presentation sparked off a flurry of questions and comments. The basic purpose of a PROBUS Club is to provide regular gather- ings of persons who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others in similar circum- Bernie Behan and her daughters Molly and Aine. stances and of a similar level of inter- est. PROBUS is a non-sectarian and non-political organization. There are Santa relishes the 138 groups throughout the island Members of Athlone Probus with Lough Ree Power staff during a recent visit to the of Ireland with a total membership snow as he visits ET&R station. of 4,800. Groups can be for men, 1994. He spent 22 of those years on women or both. Athlone is a men’s Santa very much welcomed stuck into sweets, crisps, popcorn GENERATION OPERATIONS the construction of power stations, group. the snow, ice and freezing tempera- and drinks. The meeting room including Ringsend, Poolbeg, Great The Athlone PROBUS group tures as he made his annual visit to turned into a cinema with The Ice Seventeen members of the Island, Turlough Hill and Marina. recently travelled on day trips to Generation Asset & Trading’s ET&R Age proving very popular with Athlone PROBUS Club recently vis- He worked on the installation of Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brew- (Energy Trading & Regulation) team some. Colouring proved popular ited Lough Ree Power where they Unit 3 at Lanesboro and on Units 2 ery, Newgrange and the Battle of on Christmas Eve – his sleigh, as we with budding artists and their par- were warmly welcomed by station and 3 at . the Boyne site, Kilmainham Gaol, all know, is designed for those con- ents now owners of some sustaina- staff. This was Pat Brophy’s first visit Kilkenny Castle and Renmore Bar- ditions. While anxious parents, bility pictures to pin up at their PROBUS is the association of to the new Lough Ree Power and racks, Galway. A highlight of the grandparents and 62 eager children desks. The Wii also provided plen- retired and semi-retired men and he was delighted to see this turn- year was a trip to Inis Mór, on the were slipping and sliding their way ty of energetic entertainment. women who join together in au- key project. He climbed the flights Aran Islands, by train, bus and Aer to Head Office, Santa was making a Santa’s grotto was remarkable tonomous clubs throughout Ireland, of stairs to the viewing platform on Arran. However the members re- perfect landing on the snow-covered – complete with fireplace, Christ- Britain and the rest of the world. the roof, despite the fact that he had gard the trip to Lanesboro with roof just above ET&R. mas tree and decorations. For the The word PROBUS is an abbrevia- been recently discharged from hos- fondness and still talk about it as a There was a tremendous turn out smaller kids, the dancing bears tion of the words PROfessional and pital! very happy and interesting day. n g i v e n t h e w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s . were a big hit. For the older kids, BUSiness but membership is not In a thank you letter to Plant Man- It seems that once the visit was Santa told them about how poor restricted to people from these two ager, Jerry McKenna, the President promised to the kids, parents had Rudolph got his red nose… it categories. The group consisted of of Athlone Probus Club, Fred Car- New members are always welcome to no option but to literally move would be a world exclusive if we men from a wide variety of back- ney, said they rarely have more than PROBUS. For the Athlone Group you can snow and earth to get there. Given could reveal the reason here, but grounds, including some engineers 10 members on their outings so this contact Fred Carney (087 212 8842). For the amount of preparation that we can’t… that’s a secret between and a retired ESB man, Pat Brophy. big turn out showed the high level further information on PROBUS Groups went into the day, it was fantastic to Santa and the 62 kids that got to Pat, a Carlow man now living in of interest among the members. The throughout Ireland contact: Paul Hillis (01 see so many got to enjoy the hear the story. Athlone, joined ESB Head Office as group appreciated the warm wel- 298 6344) for the Republic and Mary experience. Many thanks to everyone who a junior engineer in 1958. He spent come and hospitality of the staff and Sinnamon (0044 289086 4068) for Adults sampled Irish coffees and h e l p e d m a k e t h i s a w o n d e r f u l 37 years with ESB and retired in in particular expressed thanks to Northern Ireland. mince pies, while the kiddies got occasion. n Santa spotted in Aghada

GENERATION OPERATIONS

The children, parents and teachers of five schools local to Aghada Generating Station were Aine Dorran and daughter Roisin. delighted to receive a visit from Santa on Thursday December 23rd. This was the 20th Anniversary of ‘Aghada Santa’ Derek Fuller and his children, and his band of merry elves Kate, Mathew bringing good cheer to their local and Juliette. community. More than 700 children, from Whitegate National School, Scoil Iosagain Aghada, Saleen (l-r): Ger Walsh (retired ESB), Santa (Anthony Lynch) and Catherine O’ Connell all National School, Aghada Parish prepared to leave Aghada Generating Station in their vintage sleigh. Play School and ‘Small Ones’ A review of safety & Play School in Saleen, cheered and Santa’s band of elves; Pat Health in ESB 2010 on the arrival of Santa and his Wall, Willie Cunningham, Cath- helpers. erine O’Connell, Helen Sheehan CHECK OUT THE News The organising committee and Terry Cummins. IMAGE INBOX Pages 6 & 7 comprised: Santa, Anthony Congratulations to all involved Lynch; Sleigh Driver, Ger Walsh on such a wonderful event. n Life, page 31 www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 ENERGY INTERNATIONAL 27

ESBI Financials & HR Sustainability Update Project Go-Live success

The ESBI Financials and HR Project Team. Ray Hester, Sustainability Manager ESBI

solution, and working with staff and ing the successful launch of a new ESBI management to ensure that the new timesheet for project costing. Overview of The ESBI Financials & HR Project solution is embedded in our busi- • Entering expenses. successfully went live on Saturday ness and the benefits realised. • New Performance Management January 1st. ESBI and ESBI Inde- This support structure effectively solution rolled out with manag- Sustainability 2010 pendent Energy (ESBIE) are now went live when ESBI staff returned ers, starting the objective setting using the same SAP platform as from the Christmas break on Tues- process. • PIR movement sensors in stair- ESBI ESB Group for their financial and day January 4th, and the first weeks • Introduction of a new project wells of Blocks D and E, Stephen HR processes - FMIS and PHR. Sig- saw achievement of significant mile- numbering system. Court. nificant efforts went into the project stones including: • ESBIE and IG making critical Energy Use • Push button light switches in in 2010 in both developing the solu- • New Purchasing System up and SEMO Payments using the new cleaners stores in Stephen Court. tion and getting the business ready running, including the successful solution. Electricity • Waste stations numbered and for implementation. transfer of the Accounts Payable The project team is working with In terms of energy use, there was audited throughout the year ena- A transition plan was developed Function to Shared Services. the business to close out any open a drop in electrical energy con- bling identification of areas of bad to support the roll-out, thus ensur- • Employee Self-Service and Man- issues. The roll-out has been a sumption of 17% in Stephen Court segregation (Stephen Court). ing the required structure was in ager Self-Service. great success and thanks to all the over 2009 figures. Along with the • Successful use of Webex for place to support ESBI and ESBIE • Updating emergency contact details. staff in ESBI and ESBIE for their installation of Dyson dryers and Lunch & Learns. staff in getting to grips with the new • Completion of timesheets, includ- support. n energy-efficient lighting and con- • Energytracked monitoring ongo- trols, improved staff awareness has ing in Stephen Court. resulted in people turning off PCs, • Over 100 bicycles purchased in lights, printers and other electrical cycle purchase scheme. equipment. A further reduction of • Visits to Thornton recycling plant Leadership Programme 10% will be targeted in 2011. Fleet (targeted at champions). Street will have the Energytracked • Nightwatchman software being energy monitoring system installed downloaded across ESB. this year and a separate meter was • Introduction of waterless urinals. installed in January. This will en- • Overseas plants involved in set- able daily monitoring of consump- ting up Sustainability Improve- tion. ment Plans (SIPs) and actively implementing local initiatives. Gas Following the installation of gas Initiatives planned for 2011 boilers in Blocks D and E of Stephen • Energytracked monitoring for Court, Energytracked monitoring is Fleet Street. being used to track future gas use. • Energytracked monitoring of gas and water at Stephen Court. my own self management, effective- Waste • Installation of new bicycle-park in ness, team awareness and hopefully Recycling for the year averaged at Block D car park. performance”. 78% in Stephen Court, 68% in Fleet • Implementation of Workplace “The outdoor activity was very Street and 67% in Cork. Target for Travel Plan. with a greater understanding of key enjoyable and reinforced the learn- 2011 is to reach 80% in all locations. • Planned Webex conferences be- ESBI leadership challenges and methods ing as well as creating a good bond Waste by weight dropped by 12% tween champions throughout that can be easily put into practice”. between the class. This will help in Stephen Court and increased by ESB including overseas locations. ESBEI’s Leadership Programme was “A nice, relaxed atmosphere - it’s the all of us build a network across the 3% in Cork. • SM2 Managers Sustainability launched in September 2010 and first course I have actually enjoyed”. company”. n Change Plan workshop (Febru- roll-out of the fourth session took “An extremely practical course Paper use ary 2011). n place in January with participation which was very refreshing. It pro- The weight of paper used during from a range of senior, middle and vides really different solutions that 2010 is slightly down on 2009, a team managers from all sections of can be implemented”. drop of 2%. the business. “I am leaving the course with a Reaction to the programme has clear idea of the areas that I need to Initiatives completed in 2010 been very encouraging, with excel- focus on to enhance my leadership • Passive infrared (PIR) movement €1 million donation lent feedback from a large number skills and advance my career”. sensors to lights in car park of to SVP Annual Appeal, of attendees: “I found some real/practical things Block D, Stephen Court. page 08 “The programme provided me to take back to the office to improve Safety, Health & Wellbeing Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em trouble 28 sleeping? check out the tips to getting a peaceful sleep, Health&Habitat page 29

healthy eating ESB Travelco returns to HOTEL Update: ESB Athletic Club WESTPORT, CO. MAYO December was a difficult month for Go out and enjoy. Never mind the Winter warmers everyone with the heavy snow and weather and always warm up prop- ice. Some ESB runners decided to take erly. Chocolate and raspberry a break, others headed to the gym, 6. What is your usual race prepara- souffles while some stuck on the spikes and tion? Easy training two days before. Serves 4 went ice-running! January is the tra- Plenty of water the day before and ditional time for fitness and running bed by 11.30 the night before. Ingredients to kick-in after the Christmas glut and 7. What injuries have impacted your 100g plain dark chocolate there is no exception at ESB AC. The running? I tore my calf muscle in 3 eggs, separated first day back saw a civilised jog turn the summer of 2009 (didn’t warm up 50g self-raising flour Westport 40g caster sugar into a high-paced six-miler to Herbert properly!) and I had to have physio 150g raspberries Special Offer for ESB staff, fam- Park and back. Hopefully, this good and miss six weeks of running – I was Icing sugar, to dust ily and friends: five nights from Sun- pace and decent turnout will mean like a bear with a sore head. Chicken and mushroom day, 10th to Friday 16th April. Twin/ improved team finishes in the 2011 8. What was your favourite race? Dun- pie Method Double rooms: €285 per person BHAA events. Happy New Year! shaughlin 10K last June, it was a Sat- Serves 4-6 1 Preheat the oven to 190oC/ sharing. Single rooms: €325. The of- urday evening race and the route was gas mark 5. Break the chocolate fer from one of Ireland’s finest hotels Runner Focus No. 2 gorgeous, country roads mainly. I felt Ingredients into squares and place in a includes: Grainne Coogan, Dublin Marathon great for the whole race and got in un- 1 tbsp vegetable oil heatproof bowl over a saucepan of • Bed, full Irish breakfast Monday Finisher 2010 der 50 mins for the first time in years. 4 chicken breasts simmering water, then leave until to Friday inclusive. 1. Grainne, what made you take up 9. What has been your greatest run- 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon, melted. • Dinner on Sunday to Thursday running? I started running with my ning achievement? The Dublin city cut into bite-sized pieces 2 Place the melted chocolate in a 1 onion, halved and sliced large bowl and whisk in the egg incl., in the Islands Restaurant. and mother in Marley Park in the late 80s marathon in October – it was the cul- 250g mixed mushrooms yolks. Fold in the flour. c o m pl i m e nt a r y t e a o r c o f fe e . as a change from the monotony of mination of six months of sometimes Handful of thyme sprigs 3 Whisk the egg whites and • Free use of the leisure facilities: aerobics. I loved the simplicity of pop- gruelling training. What a great feel- 2 tbsp plain flour caster sugar in a medium bowl 20m swim pool, gym, jacuzzi, sau- ping on the runners and feeling the ing going over the line!! 400ml chicken stock until they form soft peaks. Beat a na and steam room. At extra cost, fresh air on my face. I had a few gap 10. What is your running ambition? 200ml milk spoonful of the egg whites into the enjoy a rejuvenating experience years when the kids arrived but came To stay injury-free and to follow in 500g pack puff pastry chocolate mixture to loosen it up in the Ocean Spirit Spa (10% dis- back to it two-and-a-half years ago my mother’s footsteps – still running 1 egg, beaten before gently folding in the rest. count on full brochure prices, ex- and am enjoying it more than ever. marathons at 70 years young! 4 Divide the raspberries between cluding spa special offers) and/or 2. What motivates you to keep run- Method four greased ramekins, pour over book a place at the hotel’s Ocean ning? It’s an hour of ‘me-time’ - four Recent BHAA Results 1 Heat the oil in a large, non- the chocolate mixture, then bake Wave Hair Studio. times a week! There’s a great bit of • South Dublin County Council XC stick frying pan. Fry the chicken in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until it is golden brown, turning until the souffles have risen. • A special group singalong on banter and craic in the group I train 2011 occasionally. You may need to do 5 Dust with icing sugar and serve Wednesday night. with in Tallaght Athletic Club, but - Ladies Two Mile: 41st Grainne this in two batches, depending immediately. • Transfers to and from Westport great encouragement too, and a good Coogan 00:16:46 on the size of your pan. Lift the Railway Station / Hotel Westport, variety of training. I enjoy the buzz of - Gents Four Mile: 144th Charlie Fat: 11.5g Sat. Fat: 5.4g Carbs: 38g Energy:279kcals

chicken onto a plate and tip the Protein: 7.6g Sodium: 0.01g Sugar: 29g Fibre: 2.5g Sunday/Friday. the races too and meeting other ESB Cronin 00:32:03, 196th Brian Wheat- bacon into the pan. Fry until crisp. Scenic day tours to places such Athletic Club runners at them. Its ley 00:36:11 Add the onion, mushrooms and as Kylemore Abbey, Foxford Wool- challenging and you feel great after it. thyme, then fry on a high heat for len Mills, Achill and Knock will be Charlie Cronin especially has always Next BHAA Races & Events another three minutes until the organised as optional extras if there been very encouraging. • Eircom XC 2011 - 11:30 AM Sat onions start to colour. Remove this mixture to the plate with the is sufficient interest. Excellent shop- 3. Who is your favourite athlete? Has Jan 22, 2011 chicken. ping in downtown Westport. n to be Sonia O’Sullivan, she has it all, • North Country Farmers XC 2011 - 2 Tip the flour into the pan and track, cross-country, marathon win- 11:30 AM Sat Feb 12, 2011 cook, stirring, for one minute. BOOK NOW to AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Pay- ner, not to mention the mini-mara- • Dublin Airport XC 2011 - 11:30 With the pan off the heat, ment in full by 28th February. Cheques should thon. What a gal! AM Sat Feb 19, 2011 gradually stir or whisk in the be made out to ESB Travelco and addressed to 4. What brand of running shoes do stock, followed by the milk, then ESB Travelco, 27 Herbert Place, Dublin 2. En- you wear and how often do you Links for further information: add the chicken back to the pan. quiries to Joe Weir, mobile 087 9295552, tel 01 change them? Always Asics, it’s been http://esbnet/athleticclub/ Bring to the boil, then simmer for 6325120, email: [email protected]. Travel Asics Kayanos for the last few pairs. I http://sharepoint/sites/Group/CIO/COO/ 30 minutes. Spoon the filling into via your car, your bike or, if you are a pensioner, get new ones every five/six months. CM/CSM/SC/ESB_Athletic_Club/default. a large pie or baking dish with a Download the via your free travel pass on the afternoon train. 5. What are your top running tips? aspx lip and leave to cool. Easy Food App for tasty 3 Heat oven to 220ºC/gas mark recipes and features that 7. On a floured surface, roll the will help you to make a pastry to the thickness of two delicious meal with the €1 coins. Cut a long strip as ingredients in your fridge! Switched on active! App is wide as the rim of the pie dish The Easy Food A new website – SwitchedOn if you’re involved in such an activity, you’re looking for some information and, using a little of the egg, fix available from iTunes. Active – has been developed by Do- or want to promote some upcoming on a proposed ascent of Vinegar Hill! to the edge of the pie dish. Brush minic Colbert, VSS - ex Telecoms, social event, why not post the details For whatever reason, it should prove with egg, then lift the rest of the GIA and Corporate HR, to help re- on the site? a valuable source of information to wha t's for dinner tonight? pastry over the pie, using the t h e o r ig in a l b u d g e t r e c ip e m a g a z in e tired ESB staff keep in contact with In addition, a Members’ Forum and enable you to enjoy your ‘retiring rolling pin to help. Gently press former colleagues and to provide Message Board provides an opportu- moments’! n the edges with your fingers and ta k e t r ei d M e a ls w ith ju s t 5 & t e s t e d fi v ei n gr e di e n t s information on past, present and fu- nity for retired staff to discuss items re c ip e s trim with a sharp knife. Brush 7 5 i n s id e si m p l e t r e at s ture activities of interest on the site’s of mutual interest, make contact with It’s very easy to access and use so just connect with egg to glaze, then bake for 30 y o u r f a m ily For more recipes w il l o v e ! ‘Noticeboard’. colleagues from the past, or confirm to www.SwitchedOnActive.ie (type address in PLuS ! minutes or until the pastry is risen de lic io u s d e s s e r t s B u d g e t -f r ie n d ly id e a s and dark golden brown. see the latest 5 w a y s w it h s a lm o n The site maintains a register of once and for all – ‘Who played on the top line of Internet Explorer page) or contact Do- Q u ic k & h e a lt h y issue of Easy Food m id w e e k m e a ls clubs, societies and ‘social gather- left wing for the System Operations minic at – [email protected] for Fat: 52.5g Sat. Fat: 7.3g Carbs: 60g Energy:922kcals SPECIAL DIETS H e a lt h y e a ti n g l,o w e rin g y o u rG on sale now. a n d d e a lin g w it h la c t o s e in t o le r a n c e i ings’ of interest to retired staff. So soccer team in 1971?’ Or perhaps further information or to post items to the site. Protein: 56.4g Sodium: 1.3g Sugar: 6.3 Fibre: 4.9 www.esb.ie/em Feb/March 2011 health&habitat 29 It’s time: to claim Tax Relief on your A guide to: Healthy Sleep 2010 Medical Expenses and trouble with relationships, es- pecially among children and teens. EAP building to facilitate a lift) qualify for tax relief) People who chronically lack sleep Noticeboard – exercise Bicycle • in-Vitro fertilisation. are also more likely to become de- – Computer (where necessary to • Cost of gluten-free food for pressed. Tax relief can be claimed in alleviate communication problems coeliacs. respect of the cost of certain medical of a severely handicapped person) • Cost of food products manufac- Health: Sleep is also important expenses paid by you, for yourself – False Eye tured specifically for diabetics. for good health. Studies show that a nd /or (f r o m 20 0 7 o nw a r d s) o n b e h a l f – Wigs not getting enough sleep or get- of any other person. You cannot • Physiotherapy or similar treatment Relief given ting poor quality sleep on a regular claim tax relief for any expenditure (for example, chiropractor, osteo- Relief is granted at the standard basis increases the risk of having that has been, or will be, reimbursed path, bonesetter) prescribed by a rate of tax for medical expenses high blood pressure, heart disease, by another body for example the practitioner. incurred during 2010. Relief at and other medical conditions. MPF, (or other Health Insurer), the • Orthoptic or similar treatment the high rate is still available for Deep sleep triggers more release HSE or where a compensation is prescribed by a practitioner payments towards Nursing Homes. of growth hormone, which fuels made or will be made. (Routine Ophthalmic Care - ie growth in children, and helps build Sight Testing, Spectacles, Contact How to claim muscle mass and repair cells and tis- What medical expenses qualify Lenses, do NOT qualify for tax You can claim the tax relief in a HEALTH SERVICES sues in children and adults. Anoth- for relief? relief). number of ways: update er type of hormone that increases • Doctors and consultants fees. • Speech and language therapy • claiming online via Revenue’s during sleep works to fight various • Diagnostic procedures carried out carried out by an approved Speech “PAYE Anytime service” on When you’re in a rush to meet infections. Studies find that the less on the advice of a practitioner. and Language Therapist for a www.revenue.ie. work and family responsibilities, people sleep, the more likely they • Drugs/medicines prescribed by a qualifying child. • by completing Form Med 1 - do you cut back on your sleep? Like are to be overweight or obese, to doctor/dentist/consultant. • Transport by ambulance. Health Expenses Claim for Tax many people, you might think that develop diabetes, and to prefer eat- • Maintenance or treatment in a • educational psychological assess- Relief and submitting it to your sleep is merely a ‘down time’ when ing foods that are high in calories hospital or approved nursing ments carried out by an approved local Revenue office the brain shuts off and the body and carbohydrates. home. Educational Psychologist for a • if you use a Form 11 to make a rests. Think again. • Supply, maintenance or repair qualifying child. tax return and claim reliefs and Get a good night’s sleep of any medical, surgical, dental • Certain items of expenditure in credits, the amount of the health What is sleep? Like eating well and being physi- or nursing appliance used on the respect of a child suffering from a expenses claim may be entered Sleep was long considered just a cally active, getting a good night’s advice of a medical practitioner for serious life threatening illness. at Panel I on the Form 11. n uniform block of time when you sleep is vital to your well-being. example: • Kidney patients’ expenses (up to a are not awake. It is now known that – Glucometer Machine maximum amount depending on The Employee Assistance Programme sleep has distinctive stages that cy- Here are 13 tips to help you: – Hearing Aid whether the patient uses hospital (EAP) is a confidential service provided cle throughout the night. Your brain – Orthopaedic Bed/Chair. dialysis, home dialysis or CAPD). to ESB Staff and Pensioners. For further stays active throughout sleep, cer- • Stick to a sleep schedule. – Wheelchair/wheelchair lift (no • Specialised dental treatment (rou- information on this or any related matter tain stages of sleep are needed for • Exercise is great but not too relief is due for alterations to the tine dental treatment does NOT contact your local EAP Officer. us to feel well rested and energetic late in the day. the next day, and other stages help • Avoid caffeine and nicotine us learn or make memories. • Avoid alcoholic drinks before A number of vital tasks carried bed. out during sleep help maintain • Avoid large meals and bever- Exercise, Knit and good health and enable people to ages late at night. function at their best. On the other • Avoid medicines that delay or hand, not getting enough sleep can disrupt your sleep,if possible Travel to keep be dangerous; you are more likely • Don’t take naps after 3 p.m. to be in a car crash if you drive • Relax before bed. your brain active when you are drowsy. • Take a hot bath before bed. • Have a good sleeping environ- Miriam significantly increases the brain active, travelling How much sleep is enough? ment. Mcdonald rate of blood flow to the and socialising are linked Sleep needs vary from person to • Have the right sunlight expo- brain and can reduce the to a reduced risk of cogni- person, and they change through- sure: Daylight is key to regu- NATURAL HEALTH risk of developing Alzheim- tive decline. So what bet- out the lifecycle. Most adults need lating daily sleep patterns. Get ers by 65%. ter excuse to get out and And finally, a glass of red seven - eight hours of sleep each outside in natural sunlight for What you eat now could start planning your next wine a day might reduce night. at least 30 minutes daily. impact on your health in 10 Eat a Mediterranean Diet, holiday? Alzheimer’s disease risk by • Don’t lie in bed awake: If or 20 years time and, in the which can reduce your risk half. But be careful not to Why sleep is good for you you’re still awake for more case of Alzheimer’s disease, of Alzheimers disease by up Learn new things. A study exceed it! Dark chocolate, Does it really matter if you get than 20 minutes, get up and your diet today could affect to 40% (Columbia Universi- carried out in 1995 found nuts and small amounts of enough sleep? Absolutely! Not only do some relaxing activity un- you in 25 or 40 years from ty). Both oily fish and white that those who travelled, coffee can also reduce the does the quantity of your sleep mat- til you feel sleepy. The anxiety now. The good news is that fish have shown benefits in did odd jobs and did knit- risk. ter, but the quality of your sleep is of not being able to sleep can experts say genes account maintaining cognitive health ting and gardening reduced important as well. How well rested make it harder to fall asleep. for only a small percentage (Hordoland Homocysteine their risk of Alzheimer dis- So with Spring here, reduce you are and how well you function • See a doctor if you continue to of Alzheimer cases with the Study, 2006). Dark leafy ease five fold. It is thought your risk of cognitive de- the next day depend on your total have trouble sleeping. remainder due to non-genet- green vegetables, such as that learning new things cline by getting out and ex- sleep time and how much of the ic factors. It is not clear to spinach and broccoli in this creates new neural path- ercising, planning a new various stages of sleep you get each what extent these non-ge- diet, as well as cheese and ways or connections in the holiday, eating and drinking night. This information is adapted from netic factors are truly modifi- yogurt can also reduce your brain, which keeps your healthily and getting your ‘ Y o u r G u i d e t o H e a l t h y S l e e p ’ , able, but in the meantime, homocysteine levels. High mind sharp over time. The all important night’s sleep. Performance: We need sleep to US Dept of Health and Human there are a number of ac- levels of homocysteine have important thing is to pick n think clearly, react quickly, and cre- Services. n tions you can take to mini- been associated with Alzhe- something you enjoy. ate memories. The pathways in the mise your risk. imer’s disease, as well as Miriam McDonald is a Nutri- brain that help us learn and remem- Coming soon: April is Bowel Cancer with coronary heart disease. Get plenty of sleep. Ade- tional Consultant & Practition- ber are very active when we sleep. awareness month, ESB Health Services Start exercising. Research quate sleep provides more er (CANNP). She can be con- will offer staff over 40 a bowel screening in the US and Finland has Travel widely and socialise. energy to cells and is es- tacted at miriam.mcdonald@ Mood: Sleep also affects mood. In- kit at reduced price of €7. See your local shown that aerobic exercise Because they keep the sential to brain health. freshperceptions.com sufficient sleep can make you irrita- notice boards and ESB intranet for further ble and is linked to poor behaviour details. Don’t miss this opportunity. 30 health&habitat Feb/March 2011 www.esb.ie/em

IN THE DRIVING SEAT: advanced drivers training courses start! Advanced Driver Training for current staff Empire 8 Deaths and injuries on Advanced Driver train- ing is about to recommence, State Ireland’s roads have been as part of the current ESB falling steadily since the Safe Driving Programme, 1970’s, even though there “Achieving Road Safety goes are more vehicles on our Excellence”. Three train- roads than ever before. ing providers have now been appointed, Nifast, Gill New roads are engi- Group and Driving Risk green neered to high standards, Down Ltd. many towns have been by- grainne 8 A contract has been signed to supply the Empire passed, modern cars have As with the previous pro- improved safety features, coogan gramme, candidates for State Building with wind-generated electricity and speeding is being tack- safe drive Advanced Driver training led by new technology. The will be prioritised by busi- “Clean energy, and our ergy revolution. Each of us can 2010 toll from collisions ness line management, fa- electricity nearly 40 per cent reduced create our own energy, store it, was 212 deaths, compared fall spectacularly. Most col- cilitated by local training abroad consumption, give us a com- and then distribute it to each to 397 in 2005. This is still lisions – around 95 per cent co-ordinators. Selection petitive advantage in attract- other.” too high and every death is – are caused by human error. will be based on safety New York City’s iconic ing the best tenants. Our pro- But Rifkin warned, this won’t a tragedy for a family and a As an Advanced Driver, you risk exposure and will be Empire State Building has gram of innovation shows happen by itself, “The Third In- community. control your car with preci- subject to local business re- signed a two-year deal to pur- simple, replicable, nonpropri- dustrial Revolution is a game If every driver in Ireland sion, you drive with con- quirements. chase wind-generated electric- etary steps for other landlords plan. I think we have the sci- developed his or her skills to centration and awareness, ity to power the entire struc- to follow to be more energy ef- ence and technology to do this, the standard required to pass you anticipate danger and Training is divided over ture. The contract will make ficient, cleaner and greener.” but it will mean nothing unless the Advanced Driving Test, mistakes from other drivers, two days: the Empire State Building the there’s a change of will.” deaths and injuries would and you always leave a com- Day 1 – Classroom session city’s largest commercial user The third revolution fortable margin for safety. followed by on-road ses- of renewable energy. Most energy experts agree Thinking ahead in Algeria The Advanced Driver sion. The initiative will cut the that the world will hit its peak Anyone who still doubts the Training Programme 2.85 million square foot office level of oil production by 2020. importance of rolling out re- Phase 1 was rolled out Day 2 – Follow-up on-road building’s carbon footprint by As oil consumption continues newable energy solutions needs to 970 ESB staff up session and Advanced Driv- more than 45,000 tons of car- to rise, a gap between produc- only to look at what today’s fos- to October 2009 er Test. (Approx 4 weeks bon dioxide every year. Ac- tion and consumption will sil fuel producers are doing – and those who after Day 1) cording to the building’s own- emerge, leading to rocketing and it’s all about renewables. participated in it ers, that’s the equivalent of prices, economic crisis and po- Like many oil exporters, Al- commented on Candidates who are allo- New Yorkers taking 40 mil- tential global conflict. But it’s geria is using oil wealth to move the great benefits cated a training place on lion fewer taxi rides or plant- not all bad news, according to its own domestic consumption it brought to their Advanced Driving are ex- ing 150,000 trees – six times US economist Jeremy Rifkin. away from fossil fuels. driving behaviour. pected to see it through to the number of trees in Central “We are on the cusp of a Algeria hopes to produce six the final test stage. Park. Third Industrial Revolution per cent of its electricity from Green Mountain Energy, that could give us an open door renewables – primarily solar “The Fleet For more information on Ad- one of the leading retail pro- to a new post-fossil fuel era,” and wind by 2015. To achieve Driver’s Handbook will be issued to all vanced Driving, contact Eimear viders of renewable energy in he told the International Inte- this, the Algerian government Fleet Drivers in Hogan, telephone 01 4631719 the US, will provide the build- rior Design Exposition Confer- has put in place feed-in and co- February and a Private ext. 43819, email eimear.hogan@ ing with 55 million kWh of ence in Toronto recently. generation premiums for all re- Driver’s Handbook is esb.ie. Fleet Drivers’ currently in production. renewable energy annually. “It was the First Industrial newable electricity, plus tax HanDbook These handbooks will Safe Driving Bureau: email “It was a natural fit for us to Revolution that brought to- credits for investment. help keep you, your [email protected], visit the Safe combine 100 per cent clean gether print and literacy with Algeria’s Energy Minister, www.esb.ie colleagues and the Driving Website: http://esbnet/ wider public, safer energy with our nearly com- coal, steam and rail,” he said. Youcef Yousfi, says the country on our roads” safedriving/. pleted, ground-breaking ener- “The second combined the tel- has more ambitious plans for gy efficiency retrofit work,” egraph and telephone with“ the the longer-term – generating 40 said Anthony E. Malkin, the internal combustion engine per cent of its electricity from building’s owner, who has in- and oil. renewables by 2020 and even vested $20 million in the “What we have now is a exporting renewable power to Sligo Walk 2011 project. possibility of a distributed en- Europe. n – Start your training NOW! This year’s Sligo Walk will take place on Saturday May 7th. Training details will be available on ESBNet shortly. The route for the 2011 Walk will be the Over the Hills Hiking Club same as last year. In the meantime… ‘these boots were made for walking’! ESB’s ‘Over The Hills’ Hiking rounded off with copious Club recently held its 10th helpings of baked snow-balls monthly Monday hike cover- in a Bambi sauce. A traditional ing the Laragh to Troperstown Christmas offering! Loop, where a ‘Winter Won- If you would like to join our derland’ of snow-covered fields happy band of hikers for occa- SPORTSCO dates for new course provided a gorgeous backdrop sional Monday rambles in the Dates for new courses, all 6 weeks duration for a terrific day’s hiking. The Wicklow Hills, then contact • Yoga - Monday 21 February at 8:30pm and Thursday 24 at 12:45pm party retired afterwards to Dominic on 087 6474629 or • Pilates - Tuesday 22 February at 12:20pm for beginners and 1:05pm for intermediates, Wednesday 23 The Wicklow Heather Restau- email dominiccolbert@gmail. with beginners at 7:30pm and intermediate at rant for a lovely Christmas com. Please note that, while an • Weight Management - Tuesday 22 February at 7:30pm lunch of roasted reindeer, interest in hiking would be Please call 6687022 ext 0 or check http://www.sportsco.ie/news-from-sportsco.html for more information stuffed with partridge, turtle- nice, a love of tea and scones is and to book your place. “Are we there yet?” doves and carol-singers, and essential! Paycheck 31 changes Travel to the How the budget sun! effects your wages Life Perpignan highlights Life, page 31 Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em Life, page 32

a selection of Image in-box your photography

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1’Canadian Rockies’ by Maria Bennett, Services. 2 ‘Copenhagan’ by Kevin Grace, Energy Int, Gen Ops. 3‘Watchful Eye of the Heron’ by Cliona McGovern. 5 Zebra Crossing’ by Liam Guckian. 6 It’s ‘Up up and away’ by Joe McGrath, Energy International. 7 ‘Robin Red Breast’ by Vincent Flynn, ESBI. 8 ‘ Dromaan in Spring’ by Johnathan Sandham, ESB Telecoms. 9 ‘Blooming Oleander’ by Susan Small, ICT.

The year is 1928. English- makes a trip in his Austin car. the local town hall. He attends amazing experiences occur. much earlier, localised, but By Katherine Thorne man Freddie Watson sets off Unfortunately, he ends up in the event and becomes en- This is really a ghost story equally horrific, event. In many on a trip to France. His health the hills and crashes his car on thralled by a young woman with a difference. In essence ways, this is a sad story but it is book review is uncertain, but more to the cold, snow-covered terrain. called Fabrissa, it recalls and recreates the a great read. n point, he is still mourning After some time, he regains Subsequently, his memories horrific persecutions of the The Winter Ghosts the loss of his older brother, consciousness and trudges of the night’s events are at Cathars in the south of France By Kate Mosse George, who died in the Great painfully along the cold moun- variance with those of other in the thirteenth century. Published by War ten years previously. tain paths. Eventually, he people who attended. Howev- The author manages to offer .....Freddie is Orion Books Freddie is an isolated figure reaches a small town where er, in a historical context his an amazing tribute to all who an isolated Price €10.99 on the edge of life’s experi- he is warmly welcomed by an strange experiences hold a va- suffered during, and after, the figure on the ence. He seems Ill-suited to hotelier. lidity of their own. It is when insanity of persecution and edge of life’s the events that overtake him His real adventures begin Freddie accompanies some conflict. She does this through experience...... in France. when the hotelier invites him men back to the hills to re- linking the sufferings of the While in the Pyrenees, he to a celebration that night in trieve his car that his most Great War with those of a 32 LIFE Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

UP FOR GRABS for more gardening gems check out our competition!

Ask Gerry

‘Again this winter, Give your lawn a makeover I have had some plants, mostly key time to get the grass back shrubs that have into good condition for the been frosted. Some rest of the year. have been hit two The first step in getting a winters in a row. lawn back into shape is to Judging by this, last mow early in the year. An year, I think I moved too early mowing takes off any fast to cut back. What do withered or dried tips and you advise?’ time to recover because makes the lawn look greener. some do not sprout until GERRY Cutting the grass now allows Damage by frost can well into summer. If you DALY light to reach the base of the vary a lot, even within need to make a decision, grass plants and triggers new the same garden, as it lift some bark at soil level gardening stems and leaves to grow. can depend on overhead and if the bark appears 8 In many cases, the lawn Regular mowing should like wild flowers, such as you might need to consider cover or the accumula- white with a green stripe begin in late February or daisies, buttercups and moss control now too. If there tion of cold air at the just under the surface, looks worn and tired at this early March, every two weeks speedwell, do not give any is some moss, feeding with bottom of a slope. and not dried or very time of year, especially to begin with and then more fertilizer because it lawn feed will allow the grass Patience is required and wet, the shrub might well after hard frost and snow often as necessary. Regular, encourages rough weeds, to compete against moss. If plants should be given recover. periods. There have been a relatively frequent, mowing such as docks and thistles. A there is a lot of moss, it can lot of northerly and easterly encourages the grass to sprout wild flower lawn has the be controlled with iron low down and to thicken up, advantage that it needs to be sulphate or lawn sand as well WIN a subscription to The winds and these are making a dense sward. mown less often because it is as feeding. always cold, and quite dry, If you like a nice green not as vigorous as a green In March, it is too early to Irish Garden magazine with the result that they finish, in the second half of lawn. consider lawn weed control. It is Ireland’s most popular To win one of desiccate the tips of the March, the lawn can be given Mowing is not needed as Weed control products are garden publication. Produced 3 subscriptions an application of spring lawn often, and less frequent best applied when growth is to a high quality standard just answer grass leaves in printing and colour the following feed to boost fresh growth. mowing gives the wild flower very active in April and May. reproduction, it concentrates question as EM The removal of grass mowings plants more time to flower. A Two-in-one or three-in-one on practical and accurate per instructions on Comp 1 In a normal year, there is each year removes nutrients wild flower lawn is not as lawn care products are best gardening advice, offers plenty page 34. a bit of growth of grass during from the soil. These are not tidy and neat as a traditional applied when there is active of inspiration and ideas, and February and March in mild returned, as they would be in lawn, but it is an alternative growth. If you want wild showcases the best of Irish How many times a year is gardening. The magazine is The Irish Garden produced? natural conditions, so some that has a lot of appeal. It flowers you will not apply spells but growth does not produced ten times a year, and a) 5 become continuous until artificial feeding is required especially suits an informal, these products. One person’s a subscription costs just €46, a b) 7 towards the end of March. for a green lawn. natural garden. weeds are another’s wild small saving on the shop price. c) 10 This two-month period is the On the other hand, if you If you prefer a green lawn, flowers! n

EAT: Le France, Place de la Perpignan a multi-cultural gem Loge; restaurant-le-france.com If you’re looking for some- it smaller than Dublin, is essen- later it has morphed into a Another lovely thing that blends the tradition- tially Catalan and you can sense melting pot of communities must-do/see thing al with the slightly contempo- that as you stroll around its com- and influences. (and, again, perfect rary, then this place definitely pact areas: this is a bright multi- Such a combination of peo- for the weekender) fits the bill. Situated in the cultural city of palm tree-lined ples have since made it a col- is Saint-Jean Quar- town’s old stock exchange squares. Alongside the French ourful and artsy place to visit. ter, which is a building – and mixing genuine and Spanish are hints of North And visit it you should, because beautiful ‘Old Town’ history with the kind of chic African and Romany communi- its compact size means that it’s network of narrow décor you’d see in London or ties. While Perpignan battles ideal for a weekend break. It lanes, 14th/15th New York – the food ranges with big Barcelona for tourist also has some quite unique century mansions from a full and very tasty ta- numbers (it loses, by the way), features and main attractions. and stately homes. pas menu to a broad blend TONY there’s little doubt that petite If (when?) you head over there, It’s a thoroughly at- of French and Italian fare. CLAYTON-LEA Perpignan is of, and by itself, you should check out some mospheric area of something of a gem. gorgeous visitor sites such as the city and just DRINK: Le Zinc, 8 rue TRAVEL A former capital of the Kings Palais des Rois Majorque, another reason to Grande des Fabriques; le- of Majorca and the Counts of which, as the city’s main tourist make Perpignan one city to pay habana.chez-alice.fr/zinc/ Situated in the Languedoc Rousillon, the city attraction, is the fo- your respects to in 2011. index.html. region of France, Perpignan changed hands cus of Perpig- For a pre-dinner drink or a is, unusually, steeped as frequently dur- nan’s ambi- GO THERE: Aer Lingus flies to post-dinner cocktail, you’d much in French culture and ing the medie- tion and Perpignan from Dublin twice a rants, theatre, cinema and the be advised to get to this place idioms as it is in Spanish – it val period until success. A week from March 29th. For fur- breathtaking Cathedral St – the type of charming little bar is the last major French finally it was royal resi- ther details, visit aerlingus.com. Jean, this beautiful building that the French excel at. Bare town before the Spanish taken under dence from dates from the 16th century, brick walls, mellow jazz in the border. French control with the 12th to 14th SLEEP: Hotel de la Loge, 1 rue and offers delightful rooms background, a superb wine list Some would say that the the 1659 Treaty of the centuries, today its des Fabriques d’en Nabot; ho- that have views of an elegant (well, this is France), a terrific ‘flavour’ of the town, which Pyrenees. While commercially it gardens and courtyards are as teldelaloge.fr patio that brims over with lem- cocktail menu and splashes of has a metropolitan area of was once the fabric-making cen- imposing as they are impres- Located in the heart of the on trees, banana plants and bold, bright colour – this place just over 300,000, making tre of the region, many centuries sive. town, close to bars, restau- bright bougainvillea. has it all. n www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 LIFE 33

GET SPORTY taking motoring one step ahead - The Citroën DS3.... The year of the shrinking pay cheque Why pay DIRT at 27%?

a replacement its introduction credits were cut from €1,830 This account is ideal for has not exactly been univer- to €1,650 while the standard members: sally welcomed. rate bands for single/widowed • Who are able to put aside a It did, however, replace the persons were reduced from sum of money for three or fairly reviled Income Levy €36,400 to €32,800; for a mar- ing them with monthly take five years. which has now been abolished. ried person with one income home pay of €5,603. They are • Who have a loan of greater It also replaces the Health Levy the cut was from €45,400 to thus €1,770 a year or €147 per value than their shares, as which had been increased quite €41,800, married couples with month worse off. A single per- such shares are tied up as dramatically over the past two two incomes saw a drop from son on €50,000 will find their security. BARRY years. All individuals are li- €72,800 to €65,600, while lone income cut by €935 or €78 a SIMON • Members who are reach- McCall able to pay the USC if their and widowed parents saw their month. DUNNE ing 60, as such members gross annual income is more fall from €40,400 to €36,800. A married couple with a sin- can make one withdrawal PERSONAL FINANCE than €4004 (€77 a week). The The PRSI ceiling of €75,063 gle income of €70,000 will also St Patrick’s credit from the account without rates for the USC 2% on all in- was also removed while the find themselves considerably Union (ESB Staff) Ltd. penalty, even if the funds We had been told the quan- come from zero up to €10,036; rate payable by self-employed worse off. Total deductions this have not been invested for tum of the adjustment required 4% between €10,037 and persons was increased from year will be €20,917 up from the required period. n we just didn’t know how much €16,016; 7% on any income 3% to 4%. €19,512 last year – an income In last December’s budget, of it was going to come directly over €16,016. People aged 70 The net result of all of this is cut of €1,405 annually or €117 deposit interest retention tax out of our wallets. The answer or more will have a maximum considerably higher taxes for per month. Finally, a retired (DIRT) was increased to 27%, was quite a lot. rate of 4%. almost all of us. In the case of married couple with a single which means that for every The first major change made The Health Levy was set a married couple with a com- income of €50,000 will face €100 you earn in dividend on in the Budget was reason- at 4% on all earnings above bined income of €90,000 where quite a steep cut of €1,275 or your shares €27 of it goes to ably well flagged in advance €26,000 up to €75,036 and the higher earner has a salary €106 monthly. the Government. St. Patrick’s but again the full implications 5% on earnings over €75,036. of €60,000 total deductions for The pain, therefore, has Credit Union has a savings weren’t fully appreciated. The The Income Levy was 2% on the year will be €24,533 leav- been fairly evenly spread with account called a Special Share introduction of the Universal income up to €75,036, 4% ing them with total net annual everyone having to take a rea- Term Account that enables Social Charge (USC) will clear- on income from €75,037 to income of €65,467 or €5,456 sonably significant cut in take- members to reduce their ly be a progressive measure in €174,980 and 6% on income per month. home pay; that’s unlikely to liability to this tax. time but given that it is an ad- above €174,980. In 2010 this couple would make any of us feel any better There are two types of this ditional tax to PRSI rather than On income tax personal tax have paid just €22,764 leav- though. n account namely: Medium Term Share Account (three years) • A maximum tax-free dividend of €480 a year Citroën DS3 1.6 THP 150 DSport can be earned - a saving of port with confidence that it is. loved its eagerness €388 over the three years. For a full listing of the Terms & Conditions, In keeping with the origi- to respond to foot Any dividend in excess of Application Form and further information nal DS the new DS3 looks requests for go, this is taxed at the DIRT please see the “Available Services” page distinctly different and in- go, go. The han- rate of 27%. on our website www.stpatrickscu.ie or novative with the shark fin B dling is superb de- • The funds have to be left call our office on 01-632 5114 pillars, different roof colours spite some torque in the account for three and cool LED lights. There steer. The ride is years to qualify for the tax are 38 roof and body combi- firm though not benefits, otherwise all tax St Patrick’s dave nations that when coupled to un-expected with benefits received since the Credit Union walshe the choices for dash colours, low levels of noise and vibra- and the satnav stands out for account was opened will be Competition trim, wheels, key fobs, roof tion. Driving this everyday praise for design with its looks clawed back. motoring graphics and the normal car brings with it a sense of fun and incorporation of all the • a single lodgement only, up options enables the avant- and that’s a good thing to get multimedia functions as well. to a maximum of €15,000, Win an iPod There are few cars that are garde buyer (who Citroen are from a car these days. Citroën has used John Len- is allowed on opening the icons. The Mini, The Beetle, aiming this car at) to specify Inside the DS3 is a very non (a unique association for a account. nano!! The Audi Quattro, The S Class a truly unique car. It’s likely desirous place. The quality unique car) in the ad for the car To be in with a chance of winning Mercedes, The Bugatti Veyron that there won’t be two DS3 of the materials is bar rais- with an anti-retro theme but Long Term Share Account please answer the following and the Ferrari F40. Citroën cars the same on Irish roads or ing. The design is new and then use the DS3 name? I will (five years) question and text your answer to is amongst this group with any roads for that matter. bold and right, deserving the credit them in using a blank • a maximum tax-free 087 985 8238 in the following their DS, a car so advanced It is pitched against the DS name. The rear space is canvas and didn’t steal style dividend of €635 a year format: if launched today it’d still be Mini and is a premium hot kind and the boot practical. I cues form the old car (the anti- can be earned - a saving of “CUCOMP followed by your answer considered new. It had unique hatchback not a super mini. couldn’t see the cruise control retro bit) to deliver a thorough- €857 over the five years. (i.e. a,b or c) and your name” looks and capabilities and a de- Hmmm… do you know the controls to see how to set them ly modern 21s century car. Any dividend in excess of served place in the Motoring difference? I do know that in and only learned how to when Suddenly the ‘new’ Mini, this is taxed at the DIRT How much DIRT tax can you save Hall of Fame. That was back DSport guise it is very sporty. the car was stopped. I’m intui- with the arrival of the striking rate of 27%. with a Long Term Share Account? in the 60‘s and the DS name It really feels fast and powerful tive when it comes to cars but DS3, looks old. n • The funds have to be left in a) €388 hasn’t been used or exploited and in a car of this size those this flummoxed me. The car the account for five years to b) €600 by Citroën ... until now. sensations feel enhanced. I was laden with all the goodies Full details at www.alfaromeo.ie qualify for the tax benefits, c) €857 DS is re-used for the new otherwise all tax benefits Important Only one entry per person, DS3, the first in a planned se- www.Citroen.ie RRP = €23,900 received since the account St. Patrick’s CU Monthly Loan Repayment per €1,000. Rate = 6.5% no mail entries acceptable, and the ries of cars called, you guessed was opened will be clawed Tel: 01 632 5100 or 01 632 5125 closing date is the 31st March 2011. it, DS4 and DS5. I don’t want 3 Years = €30.64 4 Years = €23.71 5 Years = €19.56 back. Last issue’s winner Last to dismiss Citroën’s entire Manufacturers Fuel Consumption Figs.: • a single lodgement only, up issue’s winner was Anne Forristal, range of cars in between DS’s Urban 9.4l/100km ; Extra Urban 5.1l/100km to a maximum of €25,000, retired staff – Congratulations Anne, but if they are going to re-use Carbon 150g/100km is allowed on opening the your iPod nano is on the way out the DS name then the new car New Car Assessment Programme Rating * * * * * www.euroncap.com account. to you. had better be good. I can re- [email protected] 34 Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em have fun entering our fab competitions and even competitions more fun if you win an amazing prize.... See all available prizes below. Enter today!

Win a superb weekend break at The Radisson EM WIN an overnight stay EM Comp 3 Comp 2 Blu Roe Park Resort, Limavady at the Fitzpatrick Castle The Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort blends the charm of an Irish country house hotel with the comfort and amenities of a modern in Dublin 4-star resort. • Come and stay in our new luxury suites •Pamper yourself in our Elemis Spa - for the perfect spa break Celebrating 40 years in business this is an 18th • Play a round or two on our private 18 hole golf course century 4 star castle hotel located in Killiney, overlooking Dublin Bay. Whether you’re travelling, planning a special occasion or simply Fitzpatrick Castle boasts 113 Luxurious sampling the history and natural beauty of Northern Ireland, bedrooms and suites, 2 Award Winning we invite you to enjoy some of the finest hotel, golf and leisure Valentines Weekend Special – from £132pps Restaurants – PJ’s & The Dungeon Grill and Full facilities that the North-West of Ireland has to offer. Fri 11th & Sat 12th Feb – 2 Nights Bed & Leisure facilities including 20m pool. The Radisson Blu Roe Park - where modern luxury meets Breakfast & 1 Dinner The ideal venue for offsite meetings and To be in with your chance of winning this traditional Irish charm and hospitality. Valentines Midweek Special – from £121pps conferences, Fitzpatrick Castle is equipped with wonderful prize, just answer as per instructions For your chance to win a luxury weekend break for two with Sun 13th to Thurs 17th Feb - 2 Nights Bed & two large conference and banqueting suites below: 1hr’s Spa pampering each and evening meal, simply answer the Breakfast & 1 Dinner catering for up to 600 delegates as well as a following question as per instructions below: dedicated business centre with nine meeting How many award winning restaurants does Midterm Special – from £132pps rooms and one VIP boardroom. the Fitzpatrick Castle have? Q. Where is the Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort? Fri 18th & Sat 19th Feb - 2 Nights Bed & Complimentary parking and wifi are available a) 0 a) Limavady Breakfast & 1 Dinner at the hotel and the convenient service of the b) 1 b) Belfast Aircoach to and from Dublin Airport. c) 2 c) Portrush Please Quote ESB when booking *T&C Apply – Subject to Availability – Spa and Dinner must be pre-booked, check at time of booking break, prize available for mid- For more information contact 01 230 5400 or visit www.fitzpatrickcastle.com week or weekend – valid for one year – Transport not included. www.radissonroepark.com WIN tickets to ESB Electric EM WIN one of 3 healing EM WIN tickets to ‘ Check to Cheek’ EM Ireland Feis Ceoil 2011 Gala Comp 4 Comp 5 Robert Nolan presents ‘the Pasadena Roof Orchestra’ in the Comp 6 massages from National Concert Hall in Dublin on April 9th. This spellbinding Concert - April 16th Prishela Row new production and unique entertainment extravaganza recaptures an era! Enjoy the toe-tapping melodies. Bring along Be in with a chance to your best voice and join in the singing in this memorable win one of 10 pairs of Healing massage has many musical treat! tickets. physical and emotional To be in with your change of winning one of 3 pairs of tickets benefits. It reduces stress, just answer the following question as per instructions below: The Feis Ceoil increases energy levels, festival has been speeds up healing, Q. What date in April does this event take place? running in Dublin for improves posture and a) 8th 115 years and has relieves pain among others. b) 9th been in partnership c) 10th Prishela, who holds a diploma in massage and healing work with ESB for three For tickets call: (01) 417 0000 or log onto: www.nch.ie years. works from her Natural Healing Centre in Dalkey. “One feels totally relaxed in Prishela’s presence. After a long flight, once Over 4,000 talented competitors nationwide will travel to the you have a session with Prishela you feel real again and at one WIN a copy of ‘Get your Tax Back’ EM RDS in Dublin to compete in the vast array of competitions from with the world.” Jim Sheridan, Director. Liberties Press are delighted to announce the return of Get Comp 7 vocal and instrumental to choral and orchestral. Your Tax Back, the updated practical guide to the “Prishela has remarkable gifts of intuition and empathy.” maze of tax details, how to calculate your tax liability Information on the competitions and schedule will be made Vincent Browne, Journalist. and how to claim refunds. Following the December available on the website (www.feisceoil.ie) during the Feis, to help 2010’s budget, this is a vital book for every household visitors to choose which events they’d like to see. To be in with your chance of winning this wonderful prize to recoup some hard-earned money. just answer the following question as per instructions below: This straightforward, easy-to-read guide is To be in with the chance of winning one of 10 pairs of tickets to L A guaranteed to save you money. Get Your Tax Back H E R S O the Gala Concert in the National Convention Centre, just answer Where is the Natural Healing Centre? I W reduces the chore of dealing with the Department R the following question as per the instructions below: a) Darndale P of Revenue and deciphering which benefits you are b) Dalkey eligible for to an easy step-by-step task. Where will the Gala Concert take place? c) Dundalk To win your copy of the this great book, just a) RDS answer the following question as per instructions below: b) National Convention Centre Natural Healing Centre, 33 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co.Dublin. c) National Concert Hall Phone (01) 204 88 48/ 087 296 5300. E: [email protected] When was the last budget? W: www.prishelarow.com a) December 2010 b) November 2010 c) January 2011

How to enter competitions in EM

The closing date for all competi- lowed by your answer, and your name. Entries not matching the Numbers for each competition: EMCOMP 6 tions is March 16th. Competitions, name to 087 923 9210. above format will not be recog- Tickets to ‘Check to Cheek’ except where specified, are open For example, if your name is nised. You will still be charged EMCOMP 1 EM COMP 7 to all readers. There are two ways John Smith and you wish to enter for the message. All messages are Subscription to Irish Garden A copy of Get your Tax Back to enter competitions in EM. competition 1, then text one of charged at the standard rate and Magazine the following, depending on your winners will be selected at ran- EMCOMP 2 2 Mailing your entry 1 SMS from your mobile answer to the question: dom. Should you be chosen as the Overnight stay at the Fitzpatrick Send your answer along with phone EMCOMP1 A John Smith winner of the competition, you Castle Hotel your name and address, clearly Each competition has a number EMCOMP1 B John Smith will receive a phone call to the EMCOMP3 indicating which competition associated with it. You can use EMCOMP1 C John Smith mobile phone you used to send A weekend break at The Radisson you are entering by using the this number to enter the competi- Important You must use the your entry. EMCOMP 4 above numbers on the envelope tions via SMS from your mobile above format, and must ensure Please note that received texts ESB Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil to EM, ESB Corporate Commu- phone. that there is a space between the will not have an auto response but EMCOMP 5 nications, 27 Lr. Fitzwilliam St., To enter the competition simply number and your answer, and you will be included in the draw. A healing massage Dublin 2. text the relevant number, fol- between your answer and your www.esb.ie/em Feb/Mar 2011 LIFE 35

crossword: Win shopping vouchers worth €200 and €100 with our crossword competition €100 Crossword 1 to be won! Across Down 1 2345 67 8 1 and 6. Latest time recommended for 1. Infant. (4) consumption. (4,6,4) 2. Schoolchild who excels. (4,5) 9 10. Empty - ready to be written on. (5) 3. One who makes bread. (5) safetyquiz 10 11 11. Without dissent. (9) 4. Animals (often mentioned with flora). (5) 12. Traditional Scottish money-holder. (7) 5. Actual. (4) 15. Unit of heat. (5) 7. Got up. (5) Win a €50 voucher! 12 13 14 15 17. ‘Mistresses’ actress Ms Brady. (4) 8. Hydrated magnesium sulphate. (5,5) Electrical Safety Rules Quiz 18. European mountain range. (4) 9. The year of production of a wine. (7) 16 17 19. West African country, capital Accra. 13. Shout. (4) Q. What shall the PICW ensure when work is com- 18 19 20 (5) 14. Zilch. (7) pleted? 21. Collection of records and documents. 16. Depart. (4,6) 21 22 (7) 20. See 33 across. Q. What is the definition of low voltage (LV)? 23 24 23. Gallic distinction. (5) 21. Turns up, is present. (7) 24. Narrow opening. (4) 22. Calf-meat. (4) Q. What is the definition of Work on the System? 25 25. Slender. (4) 27. Put together. (5) 26 27 28 29 30 26. Awaken. (5) 29. Donkeys. (5) Q. If live work has been started and adverse 28. Where people were hanged. (7) 30. Town in Bedfordshire. (5) weather occurs, what should happen? 31 32 33 and 20 down. State payment to the 31. Carry. (4) 33 34 family. (9,9) 32. Shopping precinct. (4) Q. What shall the PICW ensure when work is com- 34. The Friendly Islands. (5) pleted? 35. Went at great velocity. (4) 36. In which one is incarcerated. (6,4) 35 36 Q. What is the definition of disconnected?

Crossword 2 Questions from Lorcan Fitzharris 1234567 €200 26. The body of water between Ireland How to enter Please forward your answers in an email with ‘Safety www.radissonroepark.com to be and Britain. (3,5,3) Quiz’ in the subject line to [email protected], or alternatively post 89won! 27. Vapour (3) your entries to Safety Quiz, EM, ESB Corporate Communications, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, before March 16th. Down 10 11 12 Across 1. Holy figurehead. (6,5) Last issue’s winner: Elizabeth Hendrick, ESBI 13 14 1. Golfers’ average. (3) 2. Stronghold of traditional design. (4,4) 3. Intensive, short-term tuition. (5,6) 3. Encourage vocally. (5) 8. Material that can catch fire from a spark. 4. Worldly; not religious. (7) 15 16 17 (6) 5. Heavenly path. (5) Crossword 1 December 2010/ Crossword 2 December 2010/ 18 9. Press. (8) 6. Definitely. (6) January 2011 Solution January 2011 Solution 10. Bid. (5) 7. Finish. (3) 19 20 Across 1. Blackcurrant 7. Rap 9. Cede 1. Fee 3. Lough Swilly 8. Recant 11. Dublin river. (5) 12. Clothes, etc, no longer needed by the 10. Trifle 11. Epee 14. Snide 15. Fried 9. Obedient 10. Noted 11. Steep 21 22 23 military. (4,7) 13. Educational group. (5) 16. Wrap 18. Loser 21. Recap 13. Older 15. Quarrel 16. Twin set 15. Craftsman. (7) 13. Abyss. (5) 22. Olive 23. Trend 24. Apse 25. Guess 20. Swoon 21. Douse 23. Spawn 16. Piece of furniture that looks like a lofty 14. Horse’s cubicle. (5) 26. Spite 29. Imam 33. Retain 24. Dedicate 25. Wisdom 24 25 lad? (7) 17. Producing or displaying blossoms. (8) 34. Ogre 36. Nut 37. Sign language 26. Dry-cleaning 27. Eel 20. Iron or copper, perhaps. (5) 18. Extend. (7) Down 1. 2. 3. 4. Down 1. 2. 21. The Lone Ranger’s Native American 19. Sudden and violent expulsion of air Bye Amen Kite Union Firing squad Et cetera 26 27 sidekick. (5) through the nose. (6) 5. Riled 6. Trap 8. Peer pressure 3. Lined 4. Grounds 5. Wades 23. Scent, smell. (5) 22. Not the same. (5) 9. Confirmation 12. Circus 13. Adapt 6. Leered 7. Yet 12. Party animal 24. Informal garment. (3-5) 23. ‘La Boheme’, for example. (5) 14. Solve 17. Railed 19. Sedge 13. Opens 14. Rowan 17. Straddle Entries for the crossword competitions to be received by March 20. Rough 27. Preen 28. Tiara 30. Arts 18. Concern 19. Sundry 22. Excel 16th marked ‘Crossword Competitions’, EM, ESB Corporate 25. Refutal. (6) 24. Little child or little drink. (3) Communications, 27 Lr. Fitzwilliam St., Dublin 2. 31. Snug 32. Sofa 35. Rye 23. Sling 24. Dad

EM Competition Winners – for Dec 10/Jan 11

Disclaimer: Classifieds are placed by individuals, the publisher EM COMPETITION 1 does not accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Martin McGettigan classifieds (Winner receives a Dave Pelz scoring Game School full-day golf clinic and Killeen Castle green fee worth Spain, Benalmadena Costa Beautiful Lodge for rent, Donabate, 086-3550084. or Carcassonne Airports. Contact: Playa Blanca – Lovely 2 bedroom €299) 3 bed, 2 bath apt. on the beach. Co. Dublin. Golf, Coastal walks, Tel: 0033 46786 1173 or bungalow with pool on site, Shared swimming pool, Sat. TV, W/ private access to beach, 2km from Bungalow for sale, Clifden, Email:[email protected] tennis, beach and shops nearby EM COMPETITION 2 Machine, and all mod cons. Home train - easy access to city centre. Co. Galway €300 per week Tel. Brian on Noel Fitzpatrick from home. Sleeps 5 adults in For details on accommodation, Bungalow for sale on secluded Albufeira, Portugal 0876299752 (Winner receives family pass to the National Wax comfort. Malaga Airport 20 mins by amenities and photos via email hilltop location of 1 acre in the Beautiful 2 bed/2 bath sleeps 6. Museum Plus) taxi. Contact on 087 2303462 or -contact Mairead 087 7693440. town. Just minutes walk Full AC, high standard, ground floor, Apartment to let in EM COMPETITION 3 e-mail [email protected] 5% discount for ESB employees. from the town centre. Price private terraces/gardens, parking. Costa Del Sol Sarah Moore attractive given the current market. Quiet, mins to bars, restaurants, Apt. to let 20 mins Airport (Winner receives a Botanica Beauty Hamper) Costa Blanca, Torrevieja, Playa Log Cabin Belturbet, Cavan Please phone Tony beach. Convenient to Golf and overlooking marina/beach. Flamenca: 2-bed log cabin with boat to rent. on 01-4502715. Water Parks. Pick up can be Next to restaurants, supermarket, EM COMPETITION 4 Winter letting in the Sun. Beautiful 2 Sleeps 6. All Mod Cons. Private arranged from Faro. Special offers etc. 2 mins bus depot and train Jo Curran bed semi detached villa near access to River Erne near Cavan House to let near Kenmare to ESB staff. Contact Eileen at 087 station. AC, swimming pool, (The winner receives two CDs by composer Dave Flynn) Torrevieja, Alicante., 2 beds, garden, Town. View on website www. Failte Ireland approved 4* 2-bed 6121655 or [email protected]. TV and RTE1 and 2. 4 Single driveway and roof terrace. Near riverviewlogcabin.com. Discount to cottage near Templenoe village on beds. Perfect for golf, EM COMPETITION 5 beaches, restaurants, bars etc. Close ESB staff. Ring of Kerry, in scenic rural setting Beach/ golf holidays on Costa shopping, touring. Phone Winners contacted in 2010 due to concert timing. to golf, tennis and lots of walks. Contact John at 087 7856566. overlooking Kenmare Bay. 5 miles Blanca, Spain. 087 2279852. (Winners received a pair of tickets to ‘The World’s Situated in quiet community of only from Kenmare. Nearby swimming, 5% disc. ESB staff. Well equipped Biggest Big Band at NCH) 70 houses, wheelchair friendly. Aer France Port Bourgenay golf, horse-riding, forest and hill spacious house to rent, sleeps 6. Marbella East – Apt to rent Lingus and Ryan Air service both 1-Bed apt (Ground Floor) – Sleeps walks. Large garden with south Solarium and large terraces. South facing luxury 3-bed/2 bath EM COMPETITION 6 Alicante and Murcia airports. 4/5 on 18 hole GC with 4 outdoor facing patio. All mod cons. Communal pool. Aircon. 5/10 (sleeps 5) in quite area with sea Winners contacted in 2010 due to concert timing. Enquiries to Colette cdbrangan@ swimming pools and 2 playgrounds. Wheelchair access. Sleeps 4/5. mins walk beaches, restaurants, and mountain views, swimming (Winners received a pair of tickets to ‘A Celebration gmail.com Tel: 01 841 2800 or Very child friendly. 1 hr. from Nantes View on website: www. shops. Variety of golf courses pool. 4 min walk to Marbella’s of the Music of Bacharach and Bennett’ at NCH) 0872281027 for further info. A’port. Option available to rent templenoeheights.com. Phone nearby. 15 mins Murcia airport/ Blue Flag beach. CROSSWORDS €200 SHOPPING VOUCHER adjoining 1-bed apt also. Call 087 Monica on 087 2411346. 50 mins Alicante airport. Pick ups 5 min drive to Marbella central. Mary Cusack Boat for sale 944 6194. arranged. Linens supplied. Adj to golf courses, tennis club, Jim O’Connor Freeman 23 cruiser for sale, in good South of France (Carnon) Brochure available. For further shopping centres and a wide Joan Stack condition, 4 berth, hot and cold Torrevieja – Spain 2 Bed, 1st Floor Apt /Sea View info contact 087 2197543 variety of beaches and water, toilet, diesel engine, shaft 3 bed, 2 bath, apartment to rent. Balcony. Close to shops, bars, or email [email protected]. restaurants. Contact Mary @ CROSSWORDS €100 SHOPPING VOUCHER drive. Lying in Kilgarvin Lough Derg,. Overlooking park, close to beach beach, public transport, water 01 2761444/087 2071742 or Michael O’Brien Price €9,500. Trailer available as and shops. sports, golf, touring etc. All year Lanzarote Canaries sun all year [email protected] J. Collins extra. Tel. 087 2665226. English T.V., communal pool, rooftop round/Private parking. Pick-up can Now that Ryanair and Aer Lingus Eddie Nolan Lodge for Rent solarium. €250 per week. Phone be arranged from Montpellier (5km) are both flying to Lanzarote 36 The Last Word Feb/Mar 2011 www.esb.ie/em

Equality in motion 8 EM speaks to David Roche from GLEN on promoting diversity and equality in the workplace and to find out more about the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligation of Cohabitants Act that came into effect on January 1st

themselves,” Roche points out. “It other factors. “It has been shown is a tremendous advance”, Roche It extends into many other ar- makes complete sense that people that employees who experience notes. “Lesbian and gay people eas as well including sports club perform better in environments harassment for their sexuality are can now have their relationships memberships, savings schemes, where they are valued for who likely to leave a workplace. This recognised and valued by society spouse travel and so on. Payroll they are. Also, sectors like the is clearly bad for retention of key and this is very important, power- departments will also have to iversity is increas- high tech industry are very con- staff and also impacts on recruit- ful and tangible.” alter their systems to accommo- ingly being seen as playing a posi- cerned about creativity and they ment. If an employer is seen to be There are also highly practi- date the new situation. However, Dtive role in the success of many have found that diversity is a key supportive of diversity they will cal implications. “It will lead to a with the necessary legal changes businesses and organisations. This element in this. They understand find it that much easier to recruit number of very positive and im- in relation to tax having been de- is in no small part due to the work that teams made up of people with the people they need.” mediate changes as well as giving layed due to the truncated nature of organisations like GLEN (the differing experiences and back- These are the positive aspects of lesbian and gay people an oppor- of the Finance Bill these depart- Gay and Lesbian Equality Net- grounds work better and are more the business case. There are also tunity to celebrate their lifelong ments have a little more time to work) which works to achieve full creative.” negative facets which include the commitment to each other in pub- prepare than had been previously equality and inclusion for lesbian, Recruitment and retention are risk of being taken to court or the lic. The value and recognition that anticipated. gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Equality Tribunal by employees has been part of civil marriages Roche sees the advent of civil Ireland, and protection from all who have experienced har- for centuries is now available to partnership in Ireland as being forms of discrimination. assment. “Having the lesbian and gay people in Ireland of more than just practical ben- Davin Roche is director of right policies in rela- for the first time. And from a prac- efit, however. He believes it will workplace diversity with GLEN tion to diversity can tical point of view all of the legal also help support diversity in the and his job sees him promoting di- ensure that compa- rights and benefits which have workplace in quite subtle ways. versity and equality in workplaces ny time and re- been available for civil marriage “We all love a good day out and throughout Ireland. “We work sources are not are now available to lesbian and we enjoy congratulating newly- with a range of employers and wasted in de- gay couples.” weds and engaged couples. Civil trade unions to raise aware- fending cases These rights ness around why equality and like this. There and benefits diversity is important,” he ex- is also the rep- include medi- plains. “We also try to com- utational risk cal authority to “ People perform better when they can be municate the business case involved. Com- act, succession, themselves... It makes complete sense for supporting diversity and panies do want social welfare, making workplaces support- to be seen as and very im- that people perform better in environments ive for lesbian and gay staff good places to portantly, tax- where they are valued for who they are...” members.” work and cus- ation. Couples And that business case is tomers do take who avail of very powerful. “People per- notice of things civil partner- form better when they can be like that. A poor ship, the first of which should take partnership is a public ceremony record on employ- place in Ireland in April, will be before the State and we hope that ment and diversity able to opt for joint or separate it will lead to many happy celebra- can be damaging.” assessment for tax, share their al- tions in workplaces. It will give Almost certainly the biggest lowances and credits, and be able colleagues the opportunity to ac- change to take place in relation to share their finances without knowledge and celebrate the rela- to this issue in Ireland in the past penalty in the same way as any tionships of their co-workers and two decades has been the advent traditional civil marriage. hopefully civil partnerships will of Civil Partnership. “When you This all means significant become a commonplace in many consider that just 20 years ago les- changes in the workplace as well. workplaces.” bian and gay people were crimi- “There are a number of things to And this positive and welcom- nalised for their sexuality this be taken into consideration”, Ro- ing environment can have very che points out. “Whatever benefits real benefits for the workplaces an employer offers to spouses now concerned. “We know that people have to be offered to the employ- lesbian and gay people who are ee’s partner in a civil partnership. out in supportive workplaces have This means that if the employer more positive experiences than offers a spouses pension the pen- those who are not out. This leads sion scheme must be changed to to more harmonious working re- accommodate civil partnership, lationships and more productive for example.” workplaces.” n Lives are better, thanks to you

ElectricAid is ESB’s social justice fund. It is a registered charity with the aim of improving the quality of life for people in need. It changes lives by contributing to the relief of poverty and emergencies at home and abroad.

Where we stand... Did you know? After four years of rapid growth, ElectricAid’s membership and revenue ›› A typical €5 per week will produce growth has been relatively flat for two years. We are struggling to bring in a massive €615 for people in need, at new members and the times are not with us. But we should remember home and abroad. how far we have come and the huge strides that have been made in the last decade – progress that every member and supporter should take € pride in. 1 per week will also go far, especially In 2000, ElectricAid was reporting a record year, with funding at in the Developing World. €0.22 million and 1,700 members. Now, after a relatively flat year, € we are reporting funding of 1.76 million and 2,700 members. We 10 X €5 a week will build a rainwater are by far the largest and most successful occupationally-based develop- harvesting system in an African school, or put ment agency in Ireland – and a model for the rest of the world. Our unique on a 3 classroom extension partnership with ESB gives us consistent and generous support and a sta- €5 a week will buy and train a companion dog ble financial base. This allows us to fund many crucial and life–giving for disabled people in Ireland development projects and to give tens of thousands of the world’s poorest €5 a week will construct two log bridges for isolated communities in Liberia people the chance to better their own lives. € In 2010, we funded a record total of 163 development and relief 5 a week will train four youth leaders for deprived communities in Dublin projects in Ireland and in 47 other countries – a truly global partnership. € € 5 x 5 a week will fund a programme for 200 We funded 143 development projects with 1.18 million. Additionally, socially isolated elderly people in Mayo as a direct result of the generous response of our members and friends to €3 a week will feed and pay school fees for a our Special Appeals, we were able to fund 20 more relief and recovery destitute child in Zimbabwe projects in Haiti, Pakistan and Chile with €0.58 million. €1 a week will provide a clean water None of this is possible without you, our steadfast members and bio-sand filter for a family in Mozambique supporters. Even in these harder times, the ESB community is outward 5 x €5 a week will provide a HIV/AIDS looking, humane and generous.  awareness programme for hill people in Thailand 10 x €5 a week will fund a national activity We salute and thank you all. programme for children with muscular dystrophy in Ireland €2 a week will fund a veterinary drug kit to keep cattle healthy in Kenya €3 a week will construct a fish smoker in Kenya, giving 30 widows an income 5 x €5 a week will build two community wells in Niger 2 x €5 a week will provide the full book stock for a school library in Mozambique €1 a week will provide a fuel-efficient stove for a vulnerable family in Eritrea 8 x €5 a week will fund sensory and therapy equipment for children with autism in Wexford ElectricAid helps to provide people €4 a week will build a new mud-brick house with the resources they need to be independent... ElectricAid helps to build hope in for a poor family in Kenya communities worldwide....

Charity focus This year... The evaluation process for our January 2011 fund ›› The ElectricAid Team - ing round has just been completed. Electric Aid is a registered charity with its own of over 50 inquiries and applications receivedFrom in a the total pre of constitution and committee. - ceding two months, 35 projects were evaluated in detail, The Committee to a total value of € John Kelly, Chair, recently departed on VS from ICT Group 0.36million. The spending limit as advised by the treasurer was € Pauline Holland, Vice Chair, No.29 0.24million. Anne Hogan, Secretary, Shared Services Five projects were rejected, four were deferred for addi Jim Caplis, Treasurer, Wind Energy Paddy Stapleton, Trustee, appointed by ESB tional support material or for complete re-presentation, - Mark Connolly, Trustee, appointed by ESB 13 were recommended for part-funding and 13 for fund Des Blanch, Trustee, elected by staff Gerry Mooney, Trustee, elected by staff ing in full. The committed funding was - € Des Doherty, Committee member, elected at AGM 0.22million. Tina Pittock, Committee member, elected at AGM Pearse Crilly, Committee member, elected at AGM Dave Carey, Committee member, elected at AGM Martin Holland, Committee member, elected at AGM ›› ElectricAid Financial Anthony Le Courriard, Committee member, elected at AGM Model - How €5 = €12 Patricia Wade (EirGrid), Committee member, elected at AGM Mick O’Connor, Committee member, elected at AGM 2009 facts Treasa Ni Mhurchu, Committee member, elected at AGM & figures The Evaluation Group Sub Committee examine We rely on the generosity of every project funding application in details and make members and once-off donors. funding recommendations six times a year to the committee. In 2009 this produced This work was headed up by Des Dotherty for many years, ElectricAid helps those who really Des as now taken up post in Tanzania and Pauline Holland € need it.... has taken up the reins. Patrica Wade, Martin 722,000. Holland and Tina Pittock make up the rest of the group. John Kelly attends each meeting, as ESB matches the contributions do James Foley and Niamh O’Neill, along with of staff & pensioner on a other members of the Commitee who attend 2:3 basis, up to a ceiling of individually as observers on a rotating basis.  €250,000. The Evaluation Committee This ceiling was reached in 2009 at a recent meeting.

The Revenue tax rebate mecha- nism, which allows us to claim a tax refund on annual contributions ›› Working out how to spend your donations – the evaluation process of more that €250, produced Each application must be Applications are initially All surviving registered € in 2009 1supported by “an 2screened by James and 3applications then go for 294,000 independently-verifiable Niamh. Many never get by this evaluation. This is based on reference from an individual or stage, because they may be: their references, project agency known and acceptable dubious, irrelevant, out of our information, budget and Did you know? to ElectricAid’’’. ››scale, inapproporiate or over quotations submitted. The ESB picks up the costs of all overheads ambitious. technical details of each – salary, marketing, office, postage, print application is evaluated. and media costs. This crucially means › that every penny donated is spent on development of relief projects – without All projects must provide a Applications may be All projects are evaluated deduction, without exception. 6report within 12 months of 5recommended subject 4against ElectricAid’s funding and are all liable to to additional information being funding priorities and against having unannounced site visits provided or subject to a available financial resources. The ElectricAid financial model at any time. › pre-funding, or post-implemen- › The overall size of projects, and means that your generosity is tation, site visit. the possibility of co-funding multiplied rather than diluted. This process with other agencies, is taken When ESB’s contributions and is repeated into consideration. Revenue refunds are added – six times your €5 a week becomes €12 annually. a week. Charity: Friends of Rombo Location: Kenya

Charities can often be founded as a result of mere chance. Bob Geldof famously watched a TV documentary on the Ethiopian famine in 1984 and thus was born Band Aid and Live Aid. The Friends of Rombo, or Light of Mas-

sai, charity was founded as a result of a successful Dublin career woman choosing to celebrate her 40th birthday in Africa.

Fellow charity trustee Matt Porter takes up the story. “Elaine Bannon was in a very good job here in Dublin when she went‘‘ to Africa. While there somebody showed her an orphanage and it changed her whole life. At first she went back for a while to help, and ultimately she never left and has been there for seven years now.” Rombo is in the southern part of the Kenyan Rift Valley and borders Tanzania Charity: Irish Dogs for the Disabled and the national parks Amboseli and Tsavo West. The total area is 523.9sq km Location: Mahon Industrial Estate, Blackpool, Cork and has a total population of around 28,000. The area is populated mostly by people from the Maasai tribe who live mostly off their animals. The aims of Light of Maasai are to tackle issues such as education, female Irish Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity that trains genital mutilation, early marriage, water specially selected dogs to carry out a range of practical tasks to shortages, healthcare and feeding assist disabled children and adults in order to achieve greater programmes. independence and a better quality of life and where possible, to “Elaine is the equivalent of a modern Everything is about education in Africa”, help them into education and employment. day saint”, says Porter. “She has given Porter points out. “When you go out up a huge amount. She is out there there you quickly realise the importance

The charity was set up in 2007 by qualified guide dog trainer living in the bush and the work she does of education. That’s why we built and Jennifer Dowler. “I am a guide dog trainer by trade and I had worked is fantastic. We can guarantee that equipped the school. We have called it in the UK for 12 years doing it”, she says. “I was inspired by colleagues 100% of every donation made to Light Belgrove after the school here. It is now over there who were training dogs for the disabled and I found it was of Massai goes directly to projects on a proper recognised school in the Ken- yan education system with the govern- not being done here so I decided to come back home to do it.” the ground. A few of us here in Dublin ment paying the teachers and so on. Most people are aware of what guide dogs can do for blind people look after Elaine’s very low living That wouldn’t have been possible with- but are not familiar with the very important role which can be played by expenses to ensure this.” out the continuity of support from Elec- dogs for disabled people. “Disability can‘‘ lead to isolation, loss of In total, the charity has received tricAid which helped ensure that it is a confidence and feelings of low €40,000 from ElectricAid in four sustainable project.” The assistance from ElectricAid self-esteem”, Jennifer explains. tranches. €30,000 of this has gone has been marvellous”, says Jennif- “Not only that but for many towards funding the construction and fit out of a new school at Lemongo with the er. “The ten puppies have changed disabled people being unable to other €10,000 going towards the purchase of medical equipment, tables chairs the lives of ten people. We are do even a simple task like picking very fortunate to have received water well and solar panels at the Njukini Dispensary. two grants from ElectricAid and up the post can leave them The three main funders of the school, and indeed much of the charity’s work, we are very grateful for that. feeling depressed and worthless. are Belgrove Senior Boys School in Clontarf in Dublin, the North Dublin Rotary We train dogs to assist with Club and ElectricAid. practical, everyday tasks to help a Elaine Bannon has been honoured in Kenya for her work and recently received disabled person live life to the full.” the “Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya” from the Kenyan Government. “This is Among the range of tasks that a trained assistance dog will be able the equivalent of a knighthood or whatever and shows the strongly links she has to help with are opening and closing doors; helping a person dress built with the government there.” and undress; barking to raise the alarm in an emergency; retrieving And he notes that the Kenyan ambassador to Ireland has also acknowledged items such as telephones or dropped articles like keys or a bag; the work of Light of Massai. “Blessed are those who give without remembering emptying the washing machine and fetching the post; switching lights and blessed are those to take without forgetting. We will never forget”, is what on and off; press a pedestrian crossing button; reach up to shop- Her Excellancy Catherine Muigai Mwangi told us.  counters and carry a shopping basket; and help people to walk by providing a stable base and forward motion. Friends of Rombo - funding history - Jan 2011 In fact, a registered assistance dog with Irish Dogs for the Disabled Project Description provides an extension of the disabled person’s abilities. In addition an Construction of 2 room school at Lemongo co-fund Amount assistance dog gives enormous psychological benefits, breaking down ing with Belgrove BNS and Rotary Club of Ireland) - é10,000 barriers to the outside world and helping to improve confidence and Classroom, toilet block and furniture for rural stress levels. school, Olmapinu é Each Assistance Dog takes two years to train from when it is a 10,000 Teacher’s house at Belgrove School, Lemongo puppy and costs in the region of €12,000 to train and support for life. é10,000 Irish Dogs for the Disabled is committed to a policy of making no charge Njukini Dispensary - medical equipment, tables chairs, water well and solar panels to the disabled person for the dog’s training. It receives no government é10,000 funding and we rely entirely on donations to carry out our work. The charity has received two tranches of funding from ElectricAid – of €é6,000 and €é6,500 – which have enabled the purchase and training and equipping of ten golden retriever puppies. We have a huge waiting list for dogs from people around the country so we are now concentrating on trying to keep raising funds to keep purchasing, training and equipping the pups so we can continue to change people’s lives.” 

Dogs for Disabled- funding history - Jan 2011 Amount Project Description é6,000 Purchase of 10 x Golden Retriever pups for train- Elaine Bannon with a group of Massai people in Rombo. ing as assistance dogs for children with disabilities é6,500 Dogs are trained to help a Training and equipping of 10 assistance puppies - disabled person live a full life. for use by disabled people Charity: SAFE, Afghanistan Location: Gorey, Co Wexford

When most people think of Afghanistan they think of war, terrorism and oppression by the Taliban. Very little good news comes from that part of the world. But one small Irish charity has quietly been doing excellent work there for the past 20 years and has some quite remarkable achievements behind it. Charity: Dollardstown Cottage SAFE, Support for Afghan Further Education is a non-profit, non-political Location: North Inner City Dublin organisation founded in 1990 in the Republic of Ireland, in response to the devastating effect of the Afghan tragedy on education. At the time this tragedy was Dollardstown Cottage is a renovated and extended 100 year old the long war against the Soviet occupation but, as we all know, worse was to follow cottage in an idyllic location on the edge of a forest near Athy, County over subsequent years. Kildare. And for the past ten year it has also been the venue for SAFE’s early work was in the field of third level education and the first project regular weekend breaks for elderly people who live alone in Dublin’s undertaken by its founder Terrence Reid was the funding of 25 Afghan refugees

North Inner City. through universities in Pakistan and, more recently, five Afghan refugee sisters to One weekend a month, every month from February to December, the successful third level and post graduate level education. cottage plays home to a group of elderly people who are able to enjoy Current chairman Terry O’Malley came on board as a trustee in 1992 and since forest walks, singalongs, group activities and relaxation in the peace and then has visited Afghanistan on several occasions, his travels often taking him into tranquillity of the countryside. areas not visited by foreigners for hundreds‘‘ of years.

The Dollardstown Cottage charity is co-ordinated by Dominican nun From 1993, SAFE has been involved in primary, secondary, and third level Sister Sheila and a team of 13 dedicated volunteers who look after the education and education support, basic veterinary training, emergency assistance care and maintenance of the cottage throughout the year, care for the in housing rehabilitation and sanitation, refugee relief, agriculture, integrated rural elderly people who visit it, cook meals and so on. development schemes, vocational training, female literacy, construction of primary “We have lots of activities here”, says Sister Sheila. “Those who are schools and a health clinic, health education and traditional birth attendant training, able to are able to enjoy forest walks while those who can’t can and support to the first solar electricity scheme in Afghanistan. bird-watch through binoculars in the conservatory or sit in the garden. We What makes this range of activity all the more remarkable is the fact that SAFE have a tremendous amount of wildlife‘‘ like pheasants, wild ducks and does not receive any funding from the foxes here to watch and the wild flowers throughout the year are beautiful traditional sources and it is not an to look at. Inside the cottage we have an activities room for board games implementing agency. It raises funds and card games. from individuals and organisations We are respected and trusted by the “We saved up and bought a new through personal contact, and seeks to Afghans because when we say we’ll “The support from ElectricAid is TV a while back and people bring old arrange grants and co-financing from do something we do it”, says O’Malley. greatly appreciated”, she says. videos and DVDs to watch and of sympathetic donors. “And the support of charities like Elec- “The recession is hitting us hard. course everyone loves The Late Late It works principally through local tricAid is absolutely vital to us Show. Local musicians come in on partners including Afghan NGO Saturday nights when they are agencies, as they have extremely important skills, local knowledge of customs and available and we have storytelling, tradition and particularly, the genuine needs of rural communities. This enables singsongs, and dancing for those who are able from 9pm to 11:30pm.” them to implement appropriate and cost effective projects with the fullest participa- But it is not all about the activities. “The people who come here tell us tion and, wherever possible, contributions from local communities at all stages. that as soon as they get through the front gate they feel their worries melt This model results in SAFE’s average administrative cost being a very low 2%, or away into the peace and beauty of the forest.” less, allowing 98% or more of total income to be applied directly to projects Funding is of course vitally important and Sister Sheila is keen to express “Our primary sources of funding are ElectricAid and the Church of Ireland her gratitude for the support received from ElectricAid. In all, €15,000 has Bishops Appeal”, says Terry O’Malley. “This funding is vital to keep SAFE going been received in three tranches to support renovations to the cottage, the and fulfil our obligations to the Afghan people.” purchase of a second-hand van, and funding for the breaks. To date, SAFE has receive six separate grants from ElectricAid and projects We have to pay for a bus and driver for the weekends, buy food, pay supported have included the solar electrification of a school and a health clinic, the for heating and so on. It is all very expensive and fundraising is getting supply of computer hardware, software and furniture to a school, the purchase of a more difficult all the time. We really can’t thank ElectricAid and our other second hand jeep, and computer training for young women in Dhnola in the supporters enough.” Saighan district.  Anyone who wishes to support Dollardstown Cottage should contact Sister Sheila on 087 125 0523.  SAFE - funding history - Jan 2011 Amount Project Description é6,000 Dollardtown Cottage - funding history - Jan 2011 Amount Mirazar Middle School - furniture/equipment é4,962 Project Description é5,000 Purchase of 2nd hand jeep for ODC é9,480 Renovation of cottage respite break centre é5,000 Solar Electrification (lighting, water pump) é19,251 Funding for 45 respite country weekends é5,000 Solar electrification of Begal Middle School é11,3 6 6 Funding towards second hand van for transporting Supply 6 computers, software, scanner é3,300 elderly to Dollardstown Cottage or weekends Extension of ICT training for young women, ✁ Dhnola, Saighan Please consider joining ElectricAid today ElectricAid membership form For your chance to help, just complete the membership form below: Name ______Staff No ______Work location ______Signature: ______Please deduct from my salary/pension: ______SAFE, Support Or, if already a member: Please increase my deduction to: ______Dollardstown Cottage regularly plays home to a for Afghan Further Education is a € 5 week ______other amount weekly* ______group of elderly people non-profit, non-political organisation *or monthly equivalent founded in 1990. The amount deducted to be paid quarterly to ElectricAid - payroll code 5202. I understand that my contributions may be used for all ElectricAid projects – home and abroad. Payroll offices: Fitzwilliam St. (ESB staff) q Superannuation (Retired Staff) q EirGrid (EirGrid staff) q ElectricAid, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2. Telephone 01 7027732