ESB to close 27 shops in 15 counties

THE ESB is set to raise millions of euro from the sale of one third of its retail outlets. The company has decided to close 27 outlets in 15 counties as part of a major rationalisation of its retail operations.

The closures will affect 60 permanent staff who are being offered the choice of re-deployment or a voluntary severance package. Around 30 part-time staff, however, will lose their jobs, although they will receive a special redundancy payment.

Many of the 27 outlets, which are mostly located in prime locations in larger rural towns, are expected to be put up for sale after they close their doors at the end of August.