There is concern for the long term future of 180 jobs at a power plant in Edenderry, Co Offaly

The High Court has quashed a decision by An Bord Pleanála to extend the operation of the plant until 2023.

The ruling follows a challenge by An Taisce against An Bord Pleanála's decision in 2013 to allow the plant to continue operating beyond the end of this year.

However a stay has been put on the order, which will keep the premises open until the end of next April.

Bord na Móna have meanwhile lodged a new planning application - which aims to maintain the operations of the Edenderry plant until 2030.

An Taisce are again appealing these plans, with a High Court decision likely in December.

Noel Bourke is a local councillor in the area and says this news could put a lot of jobs at risk.

The Unite trade union, which represents workers at the facility, is calling on Bord na Móna to seek a stay on the High Court ruling beyond next April.

Colm Quinlan is the Regional Officer with Unite: