Dublin's Poolbeg chimneys get a reprieve

Well-known landmark was at risk of potential demolition

The Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin's southside inner suburb of Ringsend have been granted a reprieve after Ireland's Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said it would carry out maintenance work on the structures.

There had been a question mark over the chimneys' future after the ESB stated last year that the expense of repair work may not have been justifiable.

However following a review of the project, as well as public support to retain the well-known red and white stacks, the ESB has decided to leave chimneys standing.

The semi-state company has begun initial maintenance works to make safe the chimneys, which ceased operation in 2010, although the site still has an operational power station.

The ESB said that the remedial work includes placing steel caps over both chimneys to prevent damage from rainwater, while more extensive works, such as painting and sealing the concrete outer shell, will be evaluated in the coming years.

At a height of 207m, the chimneys are among the tallest structures in Ireland and are visible from most of Dublin city, particularly to those flying into the capital's airport.

The chimneys, which were built in 1969 and 1977, feature prominently in the music video for the 1984 song Pride (In The Name Of Love) by Dublin band U2.