In the 1920s, the newly established Irish Free State embarked on one of the most ambitious engineering projects in its history: the Shannon Scheme at Ardnacrusha.
This was a state-of-the-art hydroelectric plant that paved the way for the electrification of Irish society. The scheme developed an almost mythic reputation, becoming a powerful symbol of independence, progress and modernisation.
But behind the concrete and turbines was a darker story. Thousands of poorly paid labourers worked in brutal conditions, dozens were killed and hundreds suffered life-changing injuries. Many were left in poverty while Irish society celebrated their achievements. In this episode, I explore both sides of the Shannon Scheme: the remarkable project that helped transform Ireland, but also the terrible human cost that was largely written out of our history.
Andy Bielenberg's The Shannon Scheme and the Electrification of the Irish Free State is a good overview of the project. A Digital copy is also available on the E.S.B. Archives website for free https://esbarchives.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-shannon-scheme.pdf
Maurice Manning & More McDowell's History of the Electricity Supply Board is also a useful read and a digital copy is also available on the ESB Archive for free. https://esbarchives.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/the-history-of-the-esb.pdf
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