ESB raises 'serious safety incident' with regulator after skydivers fly through Poolbeg chimneys

Muireann Duffy

ESB has raised a "serious safety incident" with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) after three skydivers flew through the Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin as part of a PR stunt.

Red Bull skydivers Marco Fürst, Marco Waltenspiel and Max Manow jumped from a helicopter over Dublin Bay, at a height of 1,280 metres, early on Friday morning.

A video shared by Red Bull Ireland on X showed the trio making their decent, passing between the iconic chimneys before landing on Shelly Banks Beach.

Dublin, like you’ve never seen it before 🪂 🤩 🇮🇪

The Red Bull Skydive Team completed the first-ever wing suit flight through Dublin’s most iconic landmark, the Poolbeg Chimneys at 253 km/h 🔥 👏

🪂: Marco Fuerst , Marco Waltenspiel & Max Manow#RedBull #GivesYouWiiings pic.twitter.com/uBoDslzVfZ

— Red Bull Ireland (@redbullIRE) May 31, 2024

Having become aware of the skydive, ESB said in a statement: "The Poolbeg chimneys, while no longer in use, are part of an operational site with regular maintenance and works being carried out."

"ESB is currently undertaking work on the chimneys. As part of these works, there are steeplejacks working on one of the chimneys with ropes hanging from that chimney presently.

"There was potential for a very serious safety incident for the skydivers involved, as well as the workers on the chimney."

ESB added that it has raised the issue with the Irish Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Authority.