Talks between ESB management and ATGWU and SIPTU officials over the demarcation dispute at the peat-powered station in Ferbane, Co Offaly, were due to reconvene this morning after the two sides failed to reach agreement late last night.
The unofficial dispute began on Monday after some 20 workers, members of the two unions, claimed that salvage work at the plant should not have been carried out by electricians.
Union officials said last night that major differences remained between both sides and that it would be "tough" to reach an agreement. Pickets were placed at Ferbane, Moneypoint and Shannonbridge power stations yesterday, and there was some worry the dispute could spread. However, the pickets were soon removed and the threat of further action appeared to have receded with union sources confident that the workers involved in the dispute supported the talks.
ESB management said last night the dispute would not prompt a general power cut.
The Ferbane plant is due to cease generating power from the end of September for several months while refurbishing work takes place. Because it generates less than 10 megawatts of power annually, Ferbane is not regarded as an essential station in the national grid.
The SIPTU energy branch secretary, Mr Tony Dunne, said the demarcation incident was the catalyst, but there had been similar incidents in recent months and this was part of a larger problem throughout the ESB.