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ESB has revealed plans for the ongoing maintenance of the Poolbeg Chimneys, including a scheduled repainting of the structures by 2025.
The repainting of Poolbeg Chimney's red and white bands is due to commence, weather dependent, in August and continue through September 2024. All works on the lower parts of the chimneys will take place in late spring 2025 once the weather improves after winter.
The chimneys are no longer in use following the decommissioning of the oil power station onsite over 15 years ago. The structures have become part of ESB's new Poolbeg Energy Hub where some of the latest technologies that will support the future delivery of renewable energy including batteries, green hydrogen and offshore wind will be deployed over the next decade.
The Poolbeg peninsula has been a crucial energy site since 1902, when electricity was first generated from coal at the Pidgeon House station and ESB stations later operated on oil and gas. The site will continue to be vital in achieving ESB's Net Zero by 2040 strategy and helping Ireland meet its emissions reduction targets.
Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, said: "We are delighted to announce our plans to repaint the Poolbeg Chimneys which were previously a part of the site’s oil power station. While they are no longer in use, the Poolbeg Chimneys remain a well-known landmark for so many people and one of the most recognisable structures in Dublin. The Poolbeg peninsula where the chimneys are located is now home to our Poolbeg Energy Hub. Alongside the existing gas-fired turbine on the site, innovative technologies are being deployed onsite to support our delivery of renewable energy including batteries and in future, green hydrogen and offshore wind, demonstrating ESB’s commitment to a progressive transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2040."
In recent years, a maintenance programme has been introduced, featuring chimney inspections, installation of caps to reduce water ingress and thorough engineering assessments of the chimney foundations. ESB will continue to collaborate with Dublin City Council and other local stakeholders on all future developments at Poolbeg, including the chimneys.
