Siptu energy sector organiser Greg Ennis today dismissed claims there would be job losses at Bord na Móna over planned shutdowns of two power plants.
Peat-burning power stations in west Offaly and Lough Ree will be shut down for several months for upgrading reasons, the ESB said today.
The Lough Ree power plant in Co Longford will close for a period of four months beginning in May 2010, a spokeswoman for the ESB said, while the west Offaly plant will close for five months during the summer of 2011.
The spokeswoman said the closures would have no impact on generation capacity, adding: “the national grid is aware of the work being done and has factored it in”.
She said the closures were necessary for upgrading and maintenance works.
Speaking to The Irish Times,Mr Ennis said: "I refuse any suggestions of job losses."
He added that the group of unions would be sitting down with Bord na Mona management and entering into discussions.
A spokesman for Bord na Móna said the plants had been closed for periods of time previously, adding “last time round all staff were redeployed to other plants”.
Fine Gael Roscommon TD Denis Naughten today said the planned shutdowns would have a serious impact on the economy of the communities served by the two power plants.
“I understand that staff employed by Bord na Móna will see their incomes cut as a result of this shutdown,” Mr Naughten said. "Local businesses will undoubtedly feel the knock-on effect due to the loss in buying power locally."