It has been reported that the famous Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin could be demolished.

According to The Irish Times, ESB will make a final decision on the future of the structures by the end of the year.

The power station has not been operational since 2010.

According to the publication, ESB is understood to have informed Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport and Tourism, that the amount of structural and repair works needed to keep the two chimneys standing might not make the best use of resources available.

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However, Damien Cassidy, Chairman of the Environment Group of Ringsend, is quoted as saying: "These two chimneys are welcoming signs, and I don't buy the argument that they're going to cost a load of money to keep in repair. All that is needed is painting.

"They've served the community and the city for the last 40 years, and they are a piece of architectural beauty."

A previous application by Labour Councillor Dermot Lacey was submitted to designate the chimneys as protected structures, but this was refused around the same time as the station shut down.

(JP/IT)