ESB International Relocates Offices, Citing Post-Pandemic Work Preferences

Office Move Details

ESB International, a subsidiary of the state-owned power company, is set to leave its Dublin Airport office. The move entails a return to a city center location, marking a shift from its 2017 relocation to Dublin Airport Central.

The decision is linked to difficulties encouraging employees, who have been working remotely since the end of the Covid pandemic, to return to in-person work. The company believes a city-center setting will help resolve this issue.

“ESB remains in discussions with a number of stakeholders in relation to this – and as a result, we are not in a position to comment any further at this time.”

— ESB International Spokesperson

Remote work is up, but the situation is constantly in flux. The Society for Human Resource Management states that 30% of the U.S. workforce worked remotely as of 2024, up from 22% in 2019 (SHRM 2024).

Airport Office History

The building, now called One Dublin Airport Central, previously served as the headquarters for Aer Lingus. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the location housed the airline’s art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Jack B. Yeats, until its sale in 2001.

In 2017, ESB International, with 500 staff, moved into the refitted office space. The then-minister for foreign affairs, Charlie Flanagan, attended the opening ceremony.

Additional office buildings have since been constructed at the site, with further plans for expansion. The campus is expected to house over 40,000 square meters of office space, accommodating tenants like Kellogg and DAA’s headquarters.

Future Outlook

DAA has not yet received official notice from ESB International regarding the tenancy change. However, sources indicate “strong interest” from other companies in occupying the offices if they become available.