Poolbeg chimneys to remain on Dublin skyline, says ESB

The ESB has decided to keep the Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin and will carry out maintenance work on the famous red and white stacks.

The semi-State last year said carrying out structural and repair work on the chimneys may not have been the best use of its resources, raising the possibility they could be knocked down.

The company initiated a review and, following public backing for the chimneys to remain, has now decided to leave them standing in Ringsend.

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Poolbeg amid the jungle of Dublin’s building boom in 2006. File photograph: Frank Miller/The Irish Times

In a statement, the ESB said maintenance work on the chimneys, which have been out of operation since 2010, will start this week. This will include placing steel caps on both chimneys.

“These maintenance works will protect the chimneys while more extensive works, such as painting and sealing the concrete outer shell, will be evaluated in the coming years,” the statement said.

‘Well-known landmark’

A spokesperson added: “The chimneys are a well-known landmark in the Dublin skyline, distinguished by their height, as Dublin does not have significant high rise development.

“ESB carries out assessments on the Poolbeg chimneys and early indicators suggest that there are no significant structural issues, however, remedial work must be carried out to prevent deterioration.

“These works will include placing a steel cap on the top of each chimney. The caps will not change their look but will prevent rainwater ingress and damage.

“Work will commence later this week on the wider of the two chimneys, while the second chimney will be capped in the autumn.”

The Poolbeg site still has an operational power station, and the remedial work on the chimneys will have no effect on it.

"ESB will continue to consult with Dublin City Council on these and any future maintenance works on the Poolbeg chimneys," the statement added.