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ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
Dec 2010 / Jan 2011 www.esb.ie/em
Poolbeg closure
The end of an era
GENERATION OPERATIONS
AFTER NEARLY 40 years in operation Poolbeg Thermal Power Station generated its last megawatt earlier this year.
The closure marked the final stage of the agreement with the CER to create more competition in the electricity generation market whereby ESB agreed to divest and close 1300MW’s of power generation plant.
The thermal plant’s last day in operation was marked with a gathering of staff past and present in the Station Canteen and a visit from the Chief Executive, Padraig McManus. In his address the Chief Executive noted that Poolbeg Thermal Station was iconic both in ESB terms as well as in the national psyche and the importance of the part played by Poolbeg at the centre of ESB for so many years and acknowledged the major contribution of all the staff who had worked there.
Current staff and their partners attended a dinner to mark the event which included a photographic display collated by ESB Archives. Guests of honour included Senior ESB Management and Senior Officials from the Group of Unions. Pat O’Doherty, Executive Director, Energy International, in his speech at the event also acknowledged the importance of Poolbeg, the fantastic service and performance for which he credited the staff over the years. Pat said that Poolbeg has given invaluable service to ESB and its customers. He commented that Units 1 & 2 were the best machines that ESB ever installed but added that machines can only do so much on their own but ESB is particularly proud of the skills, commitment and experience of the people who worked in Poolbeg.
It was fitting that the events to mark the closure centred on the contribution of staff who worked in Poolbeg. Many of the staff had worked at the plant since it was commissioned. We thank all of the staff, past and present, for their dedicated service. To those who have now availed of retirement or taken up new positions in other parts of the company we send our good wishes.
No decision has been made Francie Murphy and his wife relax at the event. Noel Fortune and Ken Patterson (former Clinical Team) with their pateners at the celebration. Michael Smith and his wife enjoying the evening. about the future of the old station or the chimney stacks at this time. ESB is committed to consulting with Dublin City Council prior to any decision in relation to the chimneys. The site at Poolbeg continues to be used with the modern CCGT Station in operation.
