The Poolbeg Chimneys, for decades a favourite weather indicator for Dublin sailors, puffed their last plumes of smoke last night. The chimneys kicked the smoking habit as the peak energy demand tapered off last night and the oil-firing Poolbeg station was finally shut down.
As well as being a landmark in Dublin Bay, the chimneys were a handy wind indicator, reaching 680 feet upwards into the atmosphere. They belched out a high-altitude plume, often giving sailors a hint as to whether or not higher-level winds might reach downwards and affect their racing if a morning on Dublin Bay or in Howth started off with light winds at sea level.
Any junior sailor in the bay will remember having the chimneys pointed out as a wind indicator from an early age.
Read the full story of their decommissioning here .