Safety fears shut two ESB stations
Tuesday, 5 June 2007 15:35
The ESB has confirmed that two of the country's newest power stations have been closed down indefinitely after concerns over health and safety.
The move follows concerns over infrastructure at the new Lough Ree peat burning station in Lanesborough, County Longford.
Arising from this issue a second peat burning station at Shannonbridge in County Offaly was closed as a precautionary measure at the weekend. It is the second time in two years the two new stations have been shut down because of safety concerns.
The new West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations were both built within the last five years for almost €500m. But they have been severely affected by safety issues in their short history.
Last summer corrosion of piping was discovered in both stations, leading to short closures and wiping up to €10m off profits for Bord na Mona, which provides peat to both stations.
The piping was replaced but during an overhaul on the Lough Ree plant in the last five weeks more corrosion was discovered in the reactor in the gas treatment room - leading to safety concerns. The station is off the national grid and - after an examination of the unit in Shannonbridge - production was also suspended there pending a further technical examination.
There has been no effect on jobs in either area yet but long-term closure of the stations will have a knock-on effect on workers in Bord na Móna.
- News At One: Ciarán Mullooly, Midlands Correspondent, reports on the health and safety fears that have led to the closure of two new peat burning stations in Co Longford and Co Offaly
- News At One: Eoin Ó Neachtain, Public Affairs Manager, ESB, discusses the problems facing the two plants, the closure of which he says will not create any problems with the national power supply
