Episode
Progress at Any Cost? The Dark History Behind Ireland’s Electrification
- Podcast
- Irish History Podcast
- Published
- Jul 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2005
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Summary
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. Sound by Kate Dunlea. Support my work patreon.com/irishpodcast if you want to read more check out High Tension: Life on the Shannon Scheme https://www.abebooks.com/9781843510611/High-Tension-Life-Shannon-Scheme-1843510618/plp 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.