Clare 'Buoyed' By Raft Of Construction Courses

Construction workers in Co Clare are said to be buoyed by a wave of green and clean-tech opportunities announcement yesterday.

Trade Minister Mary Coughlan revealed details of the green courses, which focus on Sustainable Energy, Gas safety and installation, Insulation technologies, Building Energy Rating and Micro-Electricity Generation, among others.

Clare TD Tony Killeen said the new training courses would provide a significant lift to the local construction sector.


He said it would help those who have lost jobs to upgrade their skills and take advantage of employment opportunities in the green and clean-tech sectors.

"The renewables sector, in particular, is a significant growth area within the construction sector. Work opportunities exist in areas including the installation of energy efficient and renewable technologies, together with compliance and energy rating work."

Mr Killeen welcomed the programme's inclusion of Sustainable Energy courses, such as the installation of Solar Thermal, Heat-pump Bio-mass boiler systems.

"The aim of these course will be to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and competence of plumbers, electricians, fitters and other suitably qualified construction workers to design, install and commission domestic solar hot water heating, bio-mass and heat-pump systems in a safe and competent manner," he added.

(PR/BMcC)