AS PART of the Shannon hydro-electric scheme, the Ardnacrusha Generation Station has played a critical role in enhancing Irish life since its construction more than 90 years ago, making progress possible through the electrification of the country.
Ardnacrusha took just four years (1925 to 1929) and 5000 workers to build. It cost more than IR£5m to construct at the time – almost one-fifth of the entire annual budget – and became a symbol of forward thinking in relation to harnessing Ireland’s natural resources. The national grid was constructed at the same time and the 86 MW capacity was then enough to meet the electricity demands of the whole country. Today, Ardnacrusha represents only around 2% of the total installed capacity.
Almost a century later, ESB (Electricity Supply Board) continues to lead the way towards a secure, sustainable future for Ireland through its Driven to Make a Difference: Net zero by 2040 strategy, readying the country for an affordable transition to a clean electric future.
The Ardnacrusha Generation Station opens for free guided tours on Tuesday, July 1. Visitors taking the Ardnascrusha Experience can learn more about this new strategy as well as view the headrace canal, locks and tailrace of this amazing feat of engineering. Inside the station, the living heritage of the Shannon Scheme is related through a series of animations which celebrate the history of the project. Moving into the heart of the station visitors will have an opportunity to view the turbine hall and original control room.
For boaters on the Shannon Navigation, negotiating the headrace, internal double-chambered lock at Ardnacrusha and the tailrace into Limerick is an unforgettable experience and remains one of the highlights of cruising on the Irish waterways. The opportunity of adding a guided tour of Ardnascrusha will further enhance the experience.
Brendan Shine, plant manager at Ardnacrusha, said: “All the staff working here at Ardnacrusha are delighted to once again open the gates of the station to school groups and the public so they can get an insight into the workings of our great station, and the contribution it has made to the country’s economic and social history. Our guides will ensure this is a memorable experience for all and we encourage anyone interested to book early.”
Guided tours (accommodating individuals and groups of up to 30 people) run for about 90 minutes. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including hi-vis jacket, safety hat and safety glasses are provided on arrival at the station and visitors are required to wear all provided PPE for the duration of the tour. There are 86 steps up to the headrace canal, locks and tailrace and therefore unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties.
Bookings are essential and can be made at www.esb.ie/ardnacrushatours
