Peat power plants get green light

Contracts have been awarded to build two new peat-fired power plants in the midlands.

The ESB is employing a Finnish-based subsidiary of the US firm Foster-Wheeler to replace a 50 year old station in Lanesboro, Co Longford.

A new plant is also to be constructed in Shannonbridge in Co Offaly.

They are expected to generate enough power to supply power to supply electricity to 25,000 homes.