The Building of the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme

"Footage of the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the river Shannon, Ireland" posted on Youtube by siemens

In August 1925 one of the most important under-takings for the economic and social life of the country was begun when the first sod was cut at Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare, for the construction of the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme. The scheme was the beginning of the electrification of the country and led to the establishment of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). The Shannon Scheme was one of the largest civil engineering projects of its type in the world at the time it was built, and was regarded by many Irish people as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World.’ More information...