Airtricity named “The Best Company to work for”

Airtricity is delighted that it has been officially named the Best Company to work for in the 100-250 employee category. This prestigious honour was announced by An Tanaiste, Mary Harney TD (on behalf of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin TD) on March 1 ^st at an awards ceremony in Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium attended by over 600 guests.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin TD congratulated all award winners on their achievements, adding that Airtricity is one of a group of fifty companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to attitudes and policies that help to create a great place to work.  By promoting best practice in the workplace, Airtricity and other award winners contribute to the development of national competitiveness and help to realise Ireland’s broader economic and social objectives.

Airtricity CEO Eddie O'Connor stated "It truly is an honour to receive such an award, not only from the Great Place to Work Institute Ireland, but also from our own employees, who make Airtricity what it is. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of Airtricity team for their commitment and dedication to the seven values we hold in such high esteem – Safety; Commitment to a green business; To be the best; Flexibility and adaptability; Entrepreneurial spirit; Open and honest communications; Respect for our customers, fellow employees and business partners".

The Best Companies study sets out to identify and recognise the finest employers – and therefore the most satisfied workforces – in Ireland and throughout the European Union. The Irish study is the largest annual labour force survey undertaken in this country. This year over 100 Irish companies were surveyed with a total workforce of more than 90,000.

It’s the views of the employees that count when deciding if a company will make the Irish top 50 list. A random selection of employees in each participating organisation complete a confidential questionnaire, rating their employers on almost 60 elements covering credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie in the workplace. Surveys are returned directly to the

Great Place to Work Institute by each individual employee, thus ensuring confidentiality – and honesty!

Euromoney and Ernst & Young Renewable Energy Awards

The inaugural Euromoney and Ernst & Young Renewable Energy Awards were established to recognise projects, companies and individuals who, in 2004, have contributed the most to take the renewable industry forward and who have demonstrated best practice in renewable energy finance and development. Airtrtcity received awards in the Entrepreneurial Developer of the Year and Renewable Energy Supplier of the Year categories, in recognition of the "ambition and flair of this entrepreneurial developer". Airtricity started 2004 with a capacity of 53.5 MW in operation throughout its four wind farms across Ireland. By the end of the year, it will have in excess of 200 MW in operation or in construction, including 25MW in the second largest consented offshore wind farm in Europe, off the coast of Arklow in the Republic of Ireland.

Airtricity CEO Eddie O'Connor said: "We are absolutely delighted to win these
prestigious industry awards. The awards are in recognition of the very high quality standards we set for ourselves. Airtricity is operating in a new, exciting and innovative sector and we have now been acknowledged by our European peers for the success we have had in this last year. We will take great encouragement from this recognition as we plan for an exciting future."