Flue replacement at storm-damaged power plant

The next phase of work repair a power plant in the west of the Isle of Man following storm damage more than a year ago is set to begin.

A flue cap at the top of Peel Power Station was damaged amid Storm Éowyn in January 2025, which brought violent storm force winds, with three others found to be suffering from corrosion during inspections.

The installation process is set to see specialist steeplejacks working at height alongside a 220 tonne crane to access the top of the stack.

Manx Utilities said while the whole process would take seven days, the work was weather dependent, which could lead to last minute changes to the schedule.

The works comes after five weeks of repairs were carried out in October, which saw temporary repairs made to the flue caps.

The next phase of works to replace all four would "secure the long-term viability of the stack" and the "operability of the power station", the government-owned utilities provider said.

During the peak of Storm Éowyn, Ronaldsway Met Office recorded the highest winds for 20 years at the airport of 81mph (130km/h).

Inspections of the flue caps were carried out over the summer months by specialist steeplejacks following an initial drone-assisted survey.

Although work was originally carried out to stabilise the damaged structure in situ, newly manufactured replacements would now be installed, Manx Utilities added.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.