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


ESBComputer Section, Data Processing, 1986

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


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


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.


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 Westmeath to the national grid

Electricity in the county before ESB Westmeath had electricity before the establishment of ESB in 1927. ESB’s annual reports record 6 local electricity suppliers in the county — that means 6 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 Louth to the national grid

Electricity in the county before ESB Louth 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


Connecting Longford to the National Grid

Electricity in the county before ESB Longford had electricity before the establishment of ESB in 1927. ESB’s annual reports record 2 local electricity suppliers in the county — that means 2 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