ESB to seek board approval for three plant closures

ESB management is to ask for approval from its board to close three power stations by the year 2010.

Among the stations earmarked for possible closure are Tarbert, Poolbeg, North Wall, Marina in Cork and Great Island in Wexford.

The move is part of deal with the Energy Regulator to bring fresh competition into the Irish energy market.

The agreement will also allow the ESB to build a new power station at Aghada in Cork.