Operations at a power station in the midlands have been suspended for the coming weeks following concerns over hot water discharges from it into the River Shannon nearby.

The Environmental Protection Agency is already investigating the issue at the Lough Ree Power Plant in Lanesborough, Co Longford which has caused concern over the safety of the local fishery and other wildlife species on the river.

In a statement to RTÉ News, the ESB confirmed it has decided to suspend the operation of the Lough Ree Power plant for the coming weeks.

The ESB has said it has "sought an amendment to its environmental licence in relation to its cooling water discharge temperature in the river Shannon, which in this regard is of particular relevance during the summer months."

The closure is also effecting Bord na Móna operations nearby where up to 50 people are employed in the transport and delivery of milled peat from nearby bogs into the power station.



