Chemicals cause ESB plant closures

TWO of Ireland’s main peat-fuelled ESB power stations in the midlands are closed today because the ESB has to rely on trial and error to work out how to stop the plants being corroded by dangerous chemicals.

The plants that were closed on health and safety grounds are in Lanesborough, Co Longford and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly. They have only been open for the last five years and cost almost €500 million, yet both have been closed twice due to corrosion.

Last year, corrosion of piping was discovered in both stations, leading to short closures and up to €10 million in losses for Bord na Móna which supplies peat to both stations. There are 1,000 people employed in the midlands cutting peat to supply the electricity sector.