ESB reports Red Bull skydive between Poolbeg chimneys to aviation authority, branding stunt a ‘very serious safety incident’

Three skydivers took part in the stunt, which saw them jumping from a helicopter hovering 1280 metres above Dublin Bay and fly through the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys.

The dive was captured on video, where the skydivers can be seen decked out in Red Bull gear and flying over Dublin Bay.

However, the ESB has now branded the dive as a “very serious safety incident” and said permission from them was not sought to fly near the Poolbeg chimneys.

“ESB has become aware of a serious safety incident this morning where three skydivers flew through the Poolbeg chimneys on their descent,” a spokesperson for the ESB said.

“ESB was not approached in relation to this Skydive and did not give permission for it to take place,” the spokesperson added.

In the statement, the ESB said while the chinmeys were no longer in use, they were subject to ongoing maintenance.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

The ESB said the serious incident was now being referred to the Irish Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Authority.

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

“ESB take this incident very seriously and have raised this safety incident with the IAA and the H.S.A.

“ESB would like to remind everyone that skydiving through the Poolbeg chimneys, or any other encroachment on the chimneys in Poolbeg, is dangerous and is not permitted,” the ESB spokesperson said.

However, Red Bull have said safety measures were taken during the skydive with permission “from all the required relevant authorities”.

“Three members of the Red Bull Sky Dive Team completed a flight over Dublin Bay at sunrise this (Friday) morning.

“This was done with rigorous safety measures and with the permission from all the required relevant authorities – i.e. the Irish Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Control,” the company said in a statement.