Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to raise this Adjournment matter but in light of the previous one, it seems irrelevant. Nonetheless, I welcome the opportunity to speak on it. The Poolbeg chimneys are two of Dublin's most iconic structures. I am sure everyone knows the candy stripe towers on the Poolbeg peninsula. Poolbeg is adjacent to the now decommissioned Pigeon House generating station where electricity was first generated in 1903.

The first or last things people see when approaching or leaving Dublin by air or sea are these chimneys and the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The candy-striped chimneys are among the tallest structures in Ireland and are visible from most of Dublin city. No. 1 chimney is 680 feet and nine inches in height and No. 2 chimney is one foot higher. They were designed to minimise atmospheric pollution and the towers now form part of Dublin's skyline and have been used as a backdrop to some of Dublin's most well-known films, pop and music videos and paintings, along with political literature from all sides of the political divide and none. Over the summer there has been much speculation as to what will happen to the chimneys when the power station is decommissioned next year. Media reports suggest that the ESB is considering their demolition. I am against any such action. Speaking to residents in Ringsend and Sandymount, Irishtown, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook, I know there would be strong opposition from the local community.

Earlier this year, I wrote to the chief executive of the ESB to ascertain its plans for the towers and to put on record my opposition to any plans which would result in the demolition of the chimneys. I received the standard response that no decision had yet been made about the chimneys. Last year, a motion was tabled at Dublin City Council to have the chimneys added to the list of protected structures which would have made it illegal to demolish them. This motion was rejected but the city planners recommended that a full assessment should be carried out should electricity generation cease at the plant. I ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to seek a guarantee from the ESB that no decision will be made about the future of the chimneys without at least first consulting Dublin City Council, the Department and all other relevant stakeholders.

If these towers had been designed by some famous architect or trendy designer, we would not be having this discussion because their demolition would not be permitted. Given that these towers were accidental iconic structures, some people are of the view that they can be knocked down. The social and historical significance of the chimneys is significant and I call for them to be given protected status.

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