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


Europe at Work – Ardnacrusha Memories Virtual Collection Days hosted by the Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum, Limerick in collaboration with ESB Archives, Europeana, EuropeanExpo2020 are hosting virtual collection days to collect stories, personal archives, objects and memorabilia about the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme at Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. Jill Cousins, Director of the Hunt Museum said, “We are asking anyone with connections to the Shannon Scheme at Ardnacrusha and their… Continue Reading


Switched on, Plugged in, 1989

Educational documentary produced for ESB explaining the technical aspects of electricity generation and distribution and the contribution of ESB to Irish society.


Moneypoint Power From Coal, 1985

Documentary detailing the construction and engineering milestones of Moneypoint Generation Station, Co. Clare, ESB’s first major coal burning generating station.


Portarlington Peat Station, c.1950

Extract of dramatisation featuring a fictional young local farmer fascinated by the new peat generation station at Portarlington, Co. Laois.


An overview of the Shannon Scheme

The construction of the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme at Ardnacrusha, Co Clare was one of the most important under-takings for the economic and social life of Ireland...


Cahirciveen Power Station

On 22nd October, 1957, the Cahirciveen power station was brought into operation in Co. Kerry. After the end of World War II, the Irish Government committed to an extensive programme of bog development to be overseen by Bord na Móna. Four identical turf burning stations were built at Gweedore, Screeb, Miltown Malbay and Cahirciveen, at… Continue Reading