The ESB, via its subsidiary ESB Networks, has refurbished more than 2,000 kilometres of the electricity network in the first two months of this year.

The network renewal is part of a plan to refurbish the entire medium voltage network across the Republic by 2005.

The renewal programme is being carried out by ESB crews and outside contractors from across Europe.

The ESB said the renewal would mean significant improvements on the electricity network over the next five years. The programme involves an investment of more than €2.5 billion, the largest non-Governmetal infrastructure investment in the history of the State.