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ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
Dec 2010 / Jan 2011 www.esb.ie/em
Appreciation
IT WAS with deep regret and sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, David Mc-Donagh. David who lived in Clonfert, Co. Galway was an integral part of the Operations and Maintenance Team in West Offaly Power Station, Shannonbridge.
David began his career in the old station in Shannonbridge in 1986. It was not long before David’s ability shone through where he spent several years as an operator on shift before moving to the new peat plant of West Offaly Power, achieving distinctions with the Dublin Institute of Technology in plant operations and plant management.
David’s ability to share his knowledge built great relationships with all his colleagues. David was also a very accomplished farmer who held a very special love for land.
Another of David’s many talents was wood carving and two of his pieces can be viewed in Clonfert church. The tributes to David at his funeral Mass by his family and friends were a tribute truly befitting for a man larger than life who bore his cross of illness and pain amazingly.
Having a conversation with David it was always obvious that his wife and children were a source of huge pride to him. David’s companionship and friendship enhanced all our loves greatly and will be sadly missed.
We extend our deepest sympathies to David’s wife Sadie, children Sharon, Sarah, Donna, David and Roisin, parents Manty and Margaret, brothers Patrick and Roy, and David’s extended family, relatives and friends.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Safety and Sustainability high on the agenda at Lough Ree Power
SUSTAINABILITY EXECUTIVE Director John Campion recently visited Lough Ree Power to conduct both a Safety Review and a Sustainability Review. LR P has been notably active and committed in both areas which was again evident on the day. Top-quality housekeeping, risk assessment and contractor management are strong aspects of safety that have contributed to an impressive safety record since the station opened. In terms of sustainability initiatives, Lough Ree Power was an early starter with progress made in terms of process efficiency, water conservation, lighting efficiency and workplace travel planning to name but a few. Safety and sustainability are mutually supporting concepts that can be seen at the station. Full credit must go to all the staff for their continued efforts in that regard.
Generation Operations Safety Conference
GENERATION OPERATIONS
THE THEME for this year’s annual Generation Operations’ Safety Conference on Thursday and Friday October 6th and 7th was Continuing Safety Improvement. The conference was comprised of presentations and discussions on process safety initiatives, risk assessment, new safety rules and local safety initiatives in the areas of contractor safety management and team safety. A central focus of the conference was safety improvements in 2011.
Presentation of the Safety Excellence Awards also took place during the conference with merit awards for safety management in 2009 going to Aghada, Moneypoint, North Wall and West Offaly, The Tidy Locations 2010 Merit Award was won by Lough Ree. The overall award went to Aghada in recognition of the high level of cooperation on safety shown by the station, overhaul and new build teams.
Erne Stations retirements
TWO STALWARTS of Hydro Generation, Ger Monaghan and Paul McDermott, recently retired from Erne Stations in Donegal. Between them they have 80 service! Tributes were paid to both men to mark the occasion as colleagues and friends wished them health and happiness in their retirement.
Liam Buckley retires
LIAM BUCKLEY RETIRED as Plant Manager from Lee Stations after 43 years of dedicated service. To mark Liam’s retirement a presentation was made at Inniscarra Generating Station.
On this auspicious occasion Liam was joined by his wife Carmel and family. Also in attendance was Nicholas Tarrant, Manager Generation Operations, Senan Colleran Hydro Manager, Pat Naughton Manager Strategy and Portfolio development and Glenn Pope, Station Manager Moneypoint, current and retired staff including former station managers Jack O’Keeffe and Bob Cullen and former work colleagues from all parts of ESB.
Senan made a presentation to Liam and thanked him for the tremendous contribution he has made to ESB in general and in particular to Generation Operations.
This was followed by a most enjoyable evening for the large crowd who gathered in Blarney Castle Hotel. Liam’s great love of music was evident on the night when he entertained everyone with his guitar and mandolin skills.
Liam Buckley initially joined the staff in Iniscarra as an apprentice electrician on 18th Sept 1967 and during his 3rd year apprenticeship in Inniscarra he worked in various locations including Patrick St. Headquarters and Contracts Albert Road. Following his apprenticeship he was appointed to a permanent position as an Electrician and in 1983 he was appointed Relief Shift Supervisor. In 1994 Liam was appointed Station Supervisor, during which time he oversaw the upgrade and automation of the stations. He also completed a Maintenance Management Diploma in IMI. He was appointed Production Supervisor in 1996.
He progressed to Plant Manager in 2001 and had a wide variety of complex roles to perform, most notably the Remote Control HCC Project. During his time of Plant Manager Liam completed his UCC Health & Safety certificate.
While in ESB Liam made many close friends and will be remembered for his commitment, integrity and wealth of knowledge. He was renowned for his expertise and technical ability and was always the first to lend a hand to those around him with support and advice.
Liam’s love of music is evident and as a passionate musician, hopes to dedicate more time to playing in his band.
Liam will be missed by his many friend and colleagues both in Lee stations and throughout the Company.
We wish Liam, Carmel and family all the best for the future and many years of health and happiness.
