ESB board today approved an additional €6.9 million capital expenditure for two new midlands peat stations. The ESB also said it will not bring the Rhode plant in Co Offaly back into operation
The ESB said up to 1,200 jobs will be created during the construction phase of two new stations at Shannonbridge, Co Offaly and Lanesboro, Co Longford.
The ESB had previously approved over €7 million to commence initial work on the two peat stations.
The ESB said the Rhode peat plant in Co Offaly could not be brought back into operation in a manner which would ensure the safety of the people working there.
Am ESB employee was seriously injured when a boiler tube ruptured at the Rhode plant in March 2001. The plant has not been in operation since then.
Discussions will commence immediately to finalise an orderly closure of the plant, the ESB said.
Staff will be retrained and given opportunities to relocate to other parts of the ESB organisation in accordance with company policy.