Following the foundation of the Irish Free State It becomes clear that to progress industrially, Ireland would have to develop and use its natural resources. An Irish engineer, Dr. Thomas A. McLoughlin proposed damming the River Shannon and building an electric power station at Ardnacrusha, a few miles from Limerick, which would bring power to cities and towns. The Ardnacrusha scheme was approved by the Government and work began in September, 1925