Residents and workers in the Lanesboro and surrounding areas are shocked at news that the iconic Lough Ree Power Station is to stop operating on the 18th of next month, as opposed to the end of December.
The news hasn't been officially communicated to workers at either the Lough Ree plant, or at the Shannonbridge power station which is actually due to close a week earlier on the 11th of December.
Both stations were due to cease production at the end of this year and it had been expected they would operate right up until the final days of December.
Willie Noone from SIPTU and the Bord Na Mona Group of unions says it's disappointing but not surprising that the news hasn't been officially communicated to them so far.
He also says clarification is urgently needed now on implications for the remaining workers.
The ESB has denied bringing forward the closure of the two power stations and say both will be staffed until the end of the year.
It says that ceasing production on the 11th and 18th of December at the plants will ensure that operations are completed in a safe and orderly manner.
