ESB profits plummet

ESB after-tax profits fell by £216m last year, according to the company's annual report.

The report blames a £236m restructuring plan, which will see 2,000 redundancies over the next three years, for the falling profits.

Speaking at the launch of the report today, ESB chairman Tadhg O'Donovan said if the restructuring plan is to be successful, it requires the support and help of local communities and politicians.