ESB opens most efficient power station

on the island of Ireland.

Wednesday 22 nd June 2005 - The most efficient power station on the island of Ireland has been officially opened. Coolkeeragh ESB is a 400 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant situated at the site of the former Coolkeeragh station at Campsie in Northern Ireland . The new plant uses the latest technology to produce electricity more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly manner.

The new power station is a joint venture between ESBI and Coolkeeragh Power and replaces the heavy fuel oil station that had been operating on the site since 1959 and ceased operation last March. The gas for the new plant is provided via the new North West gas pipeline which was completed in October of last year.

The total investment in the project is around £262million (€391million), The official opening of the plant was performed jointly by Angela Smith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Communications Marine and Natural Resources, Republic of Ireland.

Commenting on the opening ESB Chairman, Tadhg O'Donoghue said the new Coolkeeragh plant is a key factor in the development of an all-island energy mark et. "The efficiency of production at Coolkeeragh brings the benefit of lower cost energy to electricity customers North and South, and it is an important step in the realisation of the GB/Ireland regional energy market".

In excess of 700 people were employed at the height of the construction of the new plant, which began in 2002. The project used, where possible, local contractors with the requisite expertise, this resulted in more than £30million (€45 million) of contracts for local firms in the North West .

The new station will be operated by a workforce of 40 in line with best international practice for power generation stations. Local supply contracts with a value of £7million (€10.5million) are in place adding to the benefits to the economy in the North West .

For further information contact

Claire Aiken or Shane Finnegan

At Aiken PR Tel: 028 90 663000

Out of hours Claire (07831717535) or Shane (07764534565)