There have been further calls made to protect Dublin's Poolbeg chimneys from demolition.

Last week, it was reported by the Irish Times that the iconic structures could be destroyed because ESB believe the volume of structural and repair works needed to keep the chimneys standing might not make the best use of resources available.

Following the announcement, there were calls to save the chimneys and this stance has since been repeated by Fianna Fáil.

The party's Group on Dublin City Council has requested that Dublin City Council now initiate a process of listing the Poolbeg Chimneys on the city's Record of Protected Structures.

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Fianna Fáil Group Leader, Paul McAuliffe, said: "It would appear that the ESB may be in a position to demolish the structures without consulting any outside body and we believe that they should be retained and incorporated into to any future plans for the area."

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor for Pembroke and South Dock, Frank Kennedy, added: "I'm dismayed to hear that the ESB is contemplating knocking down the Poolbeg chimneys. These are an iconic image of Dublin City and Dublin Bay that mean a great deal to so many the capital's residents, especially to those living by the sea in Sandymount and Ringsend.

"Having grown up under their shadow, I can't imagine the strand without the famous Sandymount Stacks. Dublin City Council should do everything in its power to ensure the preservation of this great landmark."

The Poolbeg power station has not been operational since it closure in 2010.

(JP/MH)