The ESB's industrial council is expected to call again for the closure of a defunct power station in Co Offaly, which remains open despite producing no power since May 2001.
A report from the council, chaired by businessman Mr Kieran McGowan, will be delivered today to trade unions at the State-owned company. But while the council's involvement represents the latest phase in the industrial relations process, there is an expectation that the ESB board will have to shut the plant down.
The case is something of an embarrassment for the State company, which is spending €60,000 per week keeping the plant open.
Observers say the case is highly sensitive because any unilateral closure might prompt wildcat industrial action. Despite a generous compensation package, the unions have failed to secure the support of up to 100 "workers" at the Rhode plant for a closure plan.
They have been offered an upfront payment equal to two years' salary and payment of half-salary until retirement age, when pension rights for payment of a half salary kick in.
But the closure plan has been linked by the staff to a demand for compensation for exposure to asbestos. Although only a handful of staff are unwell, all staff want compensation because asbestos-related illnesses lie dormant for years before symptoms show.
The company rejects this and the Government is understood to support that stance. The ESB's spokesman declined to comment on the matter yesterday.
The report by the industrial council represents the second attempt by the council to address the problem. The council's previous report, which called for closure, was rejected by staff. One individual said there would be "shock" within the ESB if the fundamental position had changed in the latest report.
A ballot on the report is expected in two or three weeks' time. If accepted, the plant would be shut down shortly afterwards. If not, a cooling-off period of one month will apply. In theory, this allows both sides to broker an agreement.
If no resolution is reached, the ESB board is expected to intervene. The most likely scenario in that case is that letters would be sent to the staff informing them of a closure date and asking them to attend work at other ESB plants or offices.
