A decision from An Bord Pleanála on the future of one of the midlands peat burning power stations has been deferred.
The board held a public hearing on an application by the ESB to extend the life of the west Offaly power plant in Shannonbridge and allow it to also burn biomass.
It was due to issue its decision today, but a spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála said the decision is under consideration and may not be finalised until the end of this month.
The planning application had been opposed by An Taisce and other environmental groups who claimed the continued burning of peat even for a limited period could not be justified and questioned the viability of the sourcing of biomass by Bord na Móna.
