Talks between unions and management at the ESB are continuing with the Labour Relations Commission - in an effort to avert strike action on December 16th.

There's a risk of power outages across the country from that date, as staff threaten to down tools in a row over a 1.6 billion euro hole in the workers' pension fund.

It's understood bosses at some multinational companies have contacted the Taoiseach this weekend, to warn him that any power cuts could cost the country jobs. 

Image: Photocall Ireland