Repairs to Begin on Peel’s ‘Big Cig’ After Storm Damage

Work has finally begun to repair one of the flue caps at Peel Power Station, damaged during Storm Eowyn back in January.

The tall chimney, known affectionately among the western community as ‘the Big Cig’ thanks to its cigarette-like appearance, will be getting some serious attention over the next five weeks, with work taking place in two phases.

Phase one, starting Monday (October 20), will see steeplejacks carrying out internal preparations inside the chimney.

Once that’s complete, the failed flue cap will be craned to the ground, weather permitting, before being repaired and lifted back into position in phase two.

A Manx Utilities spokesperson said: ‘Immediately after the incident, the damaged flue cap was stabilised to ensure safety.

‘Surveys and inspections were then carried out to determine the cause of the failure and to establish the condition of the other three flue caps so that a repair plan could be developed.’

That work took place over the summer using specialist steeplejacks and drone-assisted surveys. Now, with safety checks complete, repairs can begin, not just on the damaged flue, but on all four.

The spokesperson added: ‘With safety assured, planning and fabrication of replacement components has been underway. New flue sections are now being manufactured by a local contractor, supporting the island’s engineering sector.’

Although only one flue failed, inspections found corrosion in the remaining three, so all will be repaired as a precaution to ensure long-term reliability.

So if you spot a crane or a few brave souls climbing the ‘Big Cig’ over the next few weeks, that’s why.