Cork graduate helping power Ireland’s energy future through the EirGrid Graduate Programme

18 September 2026 - For Dunmanway native Loretta Murray, a passion for engineering and problem-solving led her towards a career in the energy sector. Today, as part of EirGrid’s Graduate Programme, she is helping to support the development of Ireland’s electricity grid while building a career at the heart of Ireland’s energy transition.

As the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is playing a key role in delivering Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions. Through its recently launched Group Strategy 2026, the organisation plans to invest €18.9 billion in transforming the electricity transmission system by 2030, supporting growing electricity demand, enabling more renewable energy and delivering the largest programme of grid development ever undertaken in Ireland.

For graduates like Murray, this presents a unique opportunity to contribute to projects of national importance while gaining valuable experience in a rapidly evolving sector.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to study engineering,” she explains.

“It felt like a natural fit, combining my aptitude for maths with my curiosity about how things work.”

Murray studied civil, structural and environmental engineering at University College Cork, where she developed a strong interest in sustainability and the role infrastructure can play in addressing environmental challenges.

During her final year, she explored the energy sector through a dissertation examining industrial decarbonisation and the impact of heat pumps on the Irish electricity grid.

“That research gave me an insight into the challenges involved in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system,” she says.

“What excites me most about working in the energy industry is the scale of the opportunities involved and the positive impact it can have on society and the environment.”

Keen to gain experience across different areas of the industry, Murray joined EirGrid’s Graduate Programme, attracted by the opportunity to undertake rotations across the organisation.

“Coming from a civil and structural engineering background, I wasn’t exactly sure where my career would take me. The chance to experience different roles and build a broad understanding of the industry was a huge attraction.”

One of the highlights of her experience came during a rotation in interconnection, where she gained exposure to electricity markets, interconnector operations and the wider power system. A standout moment was travelling to Santa Clara, California, to support factory acceptance testing for a market management system.

“It was an incredible opportunity that exposed me to large-scale industry projects, international stakeholders and responsibilities I never expected to have so early in my career.”

Earlier this year, EirGrid climbed 47 places to reach number 50 in GradIreland’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers ranking, reflecting its growing reputation as an employer of choice for graduates.

“The programme has given me exposure to different areas of the business, helped me develop new skills and shown me the variety of opportunities available within EirGrid. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to work that will help shape Ireland’s energy future.”

Applications for EirGrid’s Graduate Programme are open from 18 September 2026 for graduates interested in building careers across engineering, IT, cyber security, business, finance, economics and more. Further information is available at www.eirgrid.ie/graduates.