ESB is to undertake essential maintenance work on Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin.
The iconic chimney stacks are now over 40 years old.
ESB says the maintenance work will protect the chimneys and more extensive works, like painting and sealing the concrete outer shell, will be evaluated in the coming years.
The Poolbeg plant still generates electricity however the the chimneys have not been in operation since 2010.
A spokesperson for ESB said; “The chimneys are a well known landmark in the Dublin skyline, distinguished by their height, as Dublin does not have significant high rise development. Poolbeg continues to be an operational power station, with a 470 Mega Watt gas turbine plant generating safe and secure electricity for over half a million homes in Dublin and beyond.”
“ESB carries out assessments on the Poolbeg Chimneys and early indicators suggest that there are no significant structural issues however remedial work must be carried out to prevent deterioration. These works will include placing a steel cap on the top of each chimney. The caps will not change their look but will prevent rainwater ingress and damage. Work will commence later this week on the wider of the two chimneys, while the 2nd chimney will be capped in the Autumn. This remedial work will have no impact on the operation of the adjacent Poolbeg 470 Mega Watt Gas Turbine Plant.”
ESB says it will continue to consult with Dublin City Council on these and any future maintenance works on the Poolbeg Chimneys.
Both chimneys are 207 metres in height. Chimney A was built in 1969 - its 13.8 metres in diameter at the base and 4.8m at the top - Chimney B which was built in 1977 (its the one nearer the Lighthouse) its 15.6 metres at base and 6.7m at the top
