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
Connecting the Islands
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
Launch of ‘Kitchen Power’ exhibition
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson launches exhibition which examines the effect of rural electrification on Irish women.
Power for Progress, 1955
Documentary detailing the story of ESB and electricity in Ireland from 1927-1955.
More Power to the Farmer, 1957
Film celebrating the Rural Electrification Scheme and its transformative benefits to rural Ireland.
Power for Prosperity, 1963
Film chronicles the development and impact of ESB and electricity in Ireland from the Shannon Scheme in 1927 to the 1960s.
Making Money from Clean Milk, 1966
Educational account of the techniques required to produce clean milk on a farms
Death of the Banshee, 1996
The story of Rural Electrification, narrated by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
ESB at 1961 Rás Tailteann
In 1961 ESB's Rural Electrification Office provided a mobile laundry service to the Rás Tailteann cycle race across Ireland. Read more about their time on the road with the Rás.
Happy Halloween from ESB Archives!
A ghost story printed in the December 1949 issue of REO News.
Revolution Papers issue 92: Connecting Ireland
ESB Archives were delighted to contribute to issue 92 of The Revolution Papers.
Connecting Mayo to the national grid
Electricity in the county before ESB Mayo had electricity before the establishment of ESB in 1927. ESB’s annual reports record 10 local electricity suppliers in the county — that means 10 individuals or companies who had permits to commercially supply electricity to 3 or more homes and businesses in their local area. The reports do… Continue Reading
Connecting Ireland to the National Grid 1927—1978: Note on sources & explanation of terms.
We provide below an explanation of the field Information displayed on our map/database and where it was sourced from. Location: Location refers to either a city, town, suburb, village, ESB rural area, island* or ESB generation station connected to the grid between 1927 and 1978. County: The county of the above location. Note, a small… Continue Reading
Connecting Carlow
Electricity in the county before ESB Carlow had electricity before the establishment of ESB in 1927. ESB’s annual reports record 4 local electricity suppliers in the county — that means 4 individuals or companies who had permits to commercially supply electricity to 3 or more homes and businesses in their local area. The reports do… Continue Reading