Our history, our people and our principles

History of the ESB

Electricity in Ireland

In the 19th century, the electrical revolution which was sweeping the rest of the developed world looked set to bypass Ireland. Only a few selected locations around the country had this incredible new power source 'on tap'. But thanks to the determination of a handful of far-sighted people, electricity was soon to take its first tentative steps towards becoming the ubiquitous and indispensable power source it has proved to be.

Evolution of the ESB

1901 - Hydro electric power first discussed.

No action is taken on the proposed project.

1903 - Power station built at the Pigeon House for Dublin Corporation's Electricity Department.

The original building still stands, now modernised and re-equipped, a very small but historic part of the electricity generating and supply system of the Electricity Supply Board in the early years.

1915 - Investigation into the generation of electricity from the Shannon.

Theodore Stevens, a Civil Engineer investigated the possibility of generating electricity from the Shannon on behalf of the Irish Hydro-Electric Syndicate. This project, like an earlier one in 1901, was not developed.

1918 - More discussions on hydro electric power

Again, no action is taken.

1922 - Foundation of the Irish state.

It becomes clear that to progress industrially, it would have to develop and use its natural resources. An Irish engineer, Dr. Thomas A. McLoughlin proposed damming the River Shannon and building an electric power station at Ardnacrusha, a few miles from Limerick, which would bring power to cities and towns.

1925 - Electric power station at Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare approved

The Ardnacrusha scheme was approved by the Government and work began in September, 1925.

1927 - Electricity Supply Board established

The Electricity Supply Board Act was passed in 1927 to set up the Electricity Supply Board, a corporate body to control and develop Ireland's electricity network.

1937 - Liffey scheme approved

The scheme allowed the river Liffey to be used for water storage for the power stations at Poulaphouca, Golden Falls and Leixlip. Its success led to further development of the country's hydro electric power capabilities.

1968 - Turlough Hill construction began

Work started on Turlough Hill, a pumped storage hydro-electric station and was completed by 1974.

1980s - Aghada Power station in Cork began producing electricity

ESB is now upgrading the existing site by constructing a new state-of-the-art gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant.

1987 - Moneypoint generating station commissioned by ESB

Moneypoint is the largest generating station in Ireland. It is currently being upgraded and the Moneypoint Environmental Retrofit Project (MERP) will ensure it complies with stringent EU regulations for coal burning stations.