Technical problems force shutdown of two ESB stations

Two ESB power stations in the midlands have been shut down due to technical problems today.

The plants in Lanesborough, Co Longford, and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, are expected to be out of action for a number of weeks.

Both are peat-burning stations and have been in operation for just three years.

They were closed due to corrosion discovered at the Lanesborough plant.

The ESB says the problem has arisen due to technology designed to remove emissions associated with burning peat.

It says it does not expect the problem to affect electricity supply on the national grid.