Fears are growing for 109 jobs in Rhode power station, Co Offaly, and a further 50 associated jobs at Bord na Mona.
The power station closed last May after a steam tube burst, seriously injuring one worker. It now seems unlikely to reopen before it is due for decommissioning in late 2003.
The secretary of the ICTU group of unions at Bord na Mona, Mr Adrian Clarke, said yesterday he had been led to believe Rhode would reopen by September but he had "grave concerns" about its future. The ESB says reopening the station is still under review.