The ESB says Ireland has hit a "major milestone" after connecting 4,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to the electricity system.

The utility confirmed that it connected its 4,000th MW of wind capacity on Thursday.

It says this is contributing to record levels of renewable generation in recent weeks.

The milestone was announced by Paddy Hayes, managing director of ESB Networks, at the SEAI Public Sector Energy Conference in DCU.

The ESB says it is part of a drive towards a lower carbon energy future, in line with Ireland's commitment to meet 70% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030.m

Mr Hayes says: "The connection of 4,000 MW of wind energy onto our electricity network is a significant achievement for ESB Networks, the wind energy community and for Ireland.

"Together with the work of our colleagues in EirGrid, we have helped Ireland become a world leader, with 41 percent of our electricity generated from wind energy last month".

"Expanding the use of clean electricity in sectors such as transport and heating offers a clear route to decarbonisation of society.

"ESB Networks continues to invest and innovate to develop the safe, sustainable, resilient, flexible distribution system that will facilitate the wholescale electrification that is so critical for climate action."

ESB Networks employs over 3,200 people - which includes specialist network technicians.