The ESB has announced the closure of two peat-powered generating plants after failing to secure permission to switch them to biomass power stations. The plants – at Shannonbridge in Offaly and Lanesboro, Co Longford – will stop generating electricity from December 2020. Lanesboro produced 135 megawatts of power and Lough Ree Power produced 100 megawatts; together, they could power about 245,000 homes. Both plants support hundreds of jobs at Bord na Móna, which supplies the peat that they burn to generate electricity. However, in response to questions on Friday, Bord Na Móna said staff will not be affected by the ESB announcement.

Source: The Irish Times November 08, 2019 11:30 UTC