State may face blackouts after ESB strike vote

THE State faces possible electricity blackouts in the coming months after ESB unions yesterday decided to hold a vote on industrial action.

The ESB group of unions - representing more than 8,000 workers - yesterday began organising a ballot for early next month following a breakdown in talks.

“We’ve been left with no other alternative but to commence the process of consultation in the individual unions with a view to commencing a ballot on 6 April,” said Paddy Reilly, secretary of the group of unions.