The head of the ESB has pledged his company will not do anything to Dublin's iconic Poolbeg chimneys without first consulting the City Council.

Pat O'Doherty has acknowledged the structures' importance to the city's skyline, but explains they are part of a power station that has served its time.

Dublin City Councillors will today discuss an emergency motion to save the 800 foot tall towers, amid fears they could be scrapped as part of a site review.

Pat O'Doherty told Newstalk's Pat Kenny show as a Dubliner he likes the towers, but the company's considering the future of the site and they could cost millions to preserve:

Meanwhile, Dublin City Councillors will this evening consider an emergency motion to have the Poolbeg chimneys listed as protected structures.

The motion is being put forward by local councillor Dermot Lacey: 

Some of the ideas put forward for the redevelopment of the towers include making them into a cafe, sky bridge, or revolving restaurant.