We are currently researching electricity connections to Ireland’s islands. We will continue to add connection dates to our database as we gather more information. If you have information on a particular island that you would like to share, please contact esbarchives@esb.ie. The information below provides an overview of the supply of electricity to Ireland’s islands.… Continue Reading
ESB and Group Water Schemes
ESB has always been invested in improving the quality of Irish daily life. Today, ESB connects approximately 2.4 million homes and businesses to electricity throughout the country. However, ESB’s impact extends beyond just providing power, as is demonstrated by its role in Group Water Schemes (GWS) in Ireland, established to ensure a reliable and sustainable… Continue Reading
Power to Rural No 1
A new book tells the story of Oldtown, the first village to be electrified under the Rural Electrification Scheme. In 2022, the Oldtown Community Council organised a number of events to mark the 75 years since Oldtown became the first village connected by the Rural Electrification Scheme. The North Co Dublin village was part of… Continue Reading
Steam Power
When the Shannon Scheme was under construction in the late 1920s, many of its opponents argued that it would be a ‘white elephant’, producing electricity that would never be used. Of course, within years, these critics were proved wrong as demand for electricity grew so much that ESB had to construct additional hydro schemes at… Continue Reading
St Patrick’s Day Floats from ESB
A look back at some of our floats from St Patrick Day parades
February covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of February covers 1959-1970 from our staff magazine ESB Journal, which was published monthly by ESB’s Personnel Department.
January covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of January covers 1959-1970 from our staff magazine ESB Journal, which was published monthly by ESB’s Personnel Department.
November covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of November covers 1958-1969 from our staff magazine ESB Journal, published monthly by ESB’s Personnel Department.
October covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of October covers 1958-1970 from our staff magazine ESB Journal, published monthly by ESB’s Personnel Department.
August covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of August covers 1958-1970 from our staff magazine ESB Journal, which was published monthly by ESB’s Personnel Department. Ferbane Generating Station vas specially taken for E.S.B. JOURNAL by S. G. Reeves, Public Relations Department. Connemara by A. O’Toole, Drawing Office.. The front cover was designed by Patricia Lynes of Public Relations Dept, Drawing… Continue Reading
Computers in ESB in the 1980s
ESB was a pioneer in the early days of computerisation and quickly recognised the value of new technology in enhancing customer service. See our previous post about first IBM computers installed in ESB in the early 1960s. We’ve included a selection of IT related photos from the 1980s in our slideshow above. All, except one,… Continue Reading
How ESB electrified Ireland
Find out when your area was connected to the national grid and discover how ESB powered the nation.
June covers of ESB Journal
View a selection of June covers 1959-1970, from our staff magazine ESB Journal 1959: Our cover photograph of the Oil Refinery at Whitegate, with St. Coleman’s Cathedral, Cobh, in the background, was taken by S. G. Reeves, Public Relations Department.1960: Our covcr is a drawing of the New Offices and Showrooms in Fleet Street, made… Continue Reading
Visualisations and Key Timelines
1927-1945: Ardnacrusha, Shannon Scheme, World War II Generation and Transmission System Maps – click to view In 1929 ESB began supplying the cities, towns and villages with electricity generated at Ardnacrusha and transmitted through the new national Shannon Scheme network. ESB acquired Pigeon House, an oil burning station previously managed by Dublin Corporation Lighting Committee… Continue Reading
ESB Electricity Generation in Ireland since 1929
In 1929 ESB began supplying the urban areas with power produced at Ardnacrusha. It transmitted the power through the new national network constructed by the Shannon Scheme. In the same year ESB acquired Pigeon House, (an oil burning station which had been operational under the Dublin Corporation Lighting Committee since 1903) and later a smaller station in Cork… Continue Reading
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