Bord na Móna is facing losses of over €9m in gross peat sales to the ESB after a move to go ahead with a five-month closure of a power station in the midlands.
Lough Ree Power in Lanesborough, Co Longford, is closing later today for a boiler upgrade after experiencing repeated difficulties with corroded piping since it was opened just five years ago.
Local workers are seeking compensation for the loss of thousands of euro in bonus payments normally paid at peak harvest time. They have already voted against a re-deployment package offered by the company.
Overhauls at ESB power stations are regular events but what is happening at the Lough Ree plant this weekend is exceptional.
This peat burning station cost over €250m to build in 2005 but has already been closed once on health and safety grounds and now needs a new boiler upgrade after significant corrosion.
The ESB took legal moves to have the work done by the original contractor and says the commercial details of that settlement are confidential.
