Micheal Martin, the Irish Enterprise Minister has turned the sod on a new power station in County Cork.

The Aghada power plant, cost €400 million to construct, and will generate 400 megawatts of electricity for the national grid every year.

The plant, which is due to be completed in 2009, will sit alongside an existing power station.

Around 1,000 people will be working at the station during its construction phase.

Minister Micheal Martin said: "The significance of this project lies in securing our future energy needs and further contributing to a cleaner environment. This large scale investment in east Cork infrastructure is an important factor in meeting current and future demands of businesses and residents."

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ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus said: "This plant represents state-of-the-art generation technology. It contributes to security of energy supply in the Irish economy and enhances our ability to minimise emissions. It is a major investment and involves a significant boost to the local economy."

Denis Cochet, Senior Vice President Global Sales, Alstom Power said: "As a leader in clean power technologies, Alstom is honoured to be part of this project by providing a state-of-the-art solution to tackle climate change and significantly reduce NOx and CO2 emissions by increasing plant efficiency."

(JM)