Fears have been expressed for the future of 500 workers in Bord Na Mona after it was confirmed two midlands power stations will be closed for prolonged periods over the course of the next two years.
Bord na Mona workers in Offaly and Longford are involved in the production of peat for the ESB's West Offaly and Lough Ree Power plants. Both generating stations are to be closed for several months in 2010 and 2011 because of health and safety issues surrounding corrosion.
Despite the dry weather in September, it has been a poor season for Bord na Mona peat harvesting and concerns over next year's operations have now been multiplied by proposals for prolonged closures at both of the ESB power stations in the midlands.
The Lough Ree Power plant in Longford and the West Offaly station in Shannonbridge are both expected to shut for several months over the next two years to deal with extensive corrosion problems.
Bord na Mona workers fear significant losses in overtime and bonus payments during what should be high periods of electricity generation.
Already a claim in excess of €1m has been made for losses accumulated by some peat workers since the difficulties at the two new power stations began.
Locals fear the closures could destabilise the fulltime and seasonal jobs on the bogs if they go ahead.
