The Lanesboro facility shut in early July because of concerns over hot water discharges into the Shannon.

An impasse between the ESB and the Environmental Protection Agency that has led to the suspension of operations at a power plant in Longford could lead to industrial action by Bord na Móna employees, unions are warning.

Bord Na Móna are due to lay off 150 employees from their Lough Ree Power plant in Longford.

The new €240 million West Offaly Power Station at Shannonbridge, the largest peat burning facility of its kind in the world, has been shut down for safety reasons with losses to Bord na Móna of €5 million.