Source: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

THE ESB IS to keep the iconic Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin.

The towers ceased being functional in 2010 and the ESB last year said that continuing to repair them wasn’t a good use of their resources.

That prompted outcry among many in the capital and beyond, with the chimney stacks holding a special place in the hearts of many.

Today, the ESB said that the chimneys, built in 1969 and 1977, will stay standing.

The semi-state will carry out maintenance works that will protect the chimneys while more extensive works, such as painting and sealing the concrete outer shell, will be evaluated in the coming years.

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

The spokesperson added that metal caps will be placed on the chimneys.

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.

“This remedial work will have no impact on the operation of the adjacent Poolbeg 470 mega watt gas turbine plant.”