IT APPEARS that the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys will be preserved for future generations after the ESB initiated essential maintenance work to protect the famous Dublin landmark.
There were fears that the chimneys would be torn down after the ESB warned last year that a review of the site was being carried out and that keeping the structures in place was a drain on resources.
The warning created a huge debate with several social media sites running polls to find out what locals felt about the proposed demolition of the structures that have dominated the Dublin skyline for more than 40 years.
It also prompted a plea from Minister Leo Varadkar not to tear down the Poolbeg Chimneys.
Last week, Minister Varadkar tweeted his delight that the chimneys will remain on the Sandymount site.
‘Poolbeg chimneys saved! Great news for this iconic Dublin landmark. Well done ESB’, he tweeted.
While electricity generation continues at Poolbeg, the chimneys themselves have not been in operation since 2010.
Last week, an ESB statement appeared to put the matter at rest for the time being.
“These maintenance works will protect the chimneys while more extensive works, such as painting and sealing the concrete outer shell, will be evaluated in the coming years,
? the statement reads.
A spokesperson for ESB added:
“The chimneys are a well known landmark on the Dublin skyline that are 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.
“The 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 second 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.
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The spokesperson said the ESB would continue to consult with Dublin City Council on these and any future maintenance works on the Poolbeg Chimneys.
The Poolbeg Generating Station was commissioned by the ESB in 1971 on the side of the old Pigeon House Power Station. The distinctive red and white towers quickly became two of Dublin’s most recognisable landmarks. They are both over 207 metres tall, with the second chimney a few centimetres taller than the first.
Chimney A, which is nearer to Dublin city, was built in 1969. It is 207m in height and the diameter at the base is 13.8m and 4.8m on top. Chimney B, which is nearer to Poolbeg Lighthouse, was built in 1977. It is 207m high with a diameter of 15.6m at the bottom and 6.7m at the top.