Lanesborough power station, one of the most cost-effective and efficient peat-red power stations in Ireland, generated electricity onto the national grid for over forty-six years. It employed nearly 500 people over its lifetime and used both sod and milled peat to generate electricity.

Featuring detailed commentary on the early years and day-to-day running of Lanesborough power station, this book also includes appendices listing the names of all 500+ members of staff, station performance reports, statistics and technical data and over seventy images that bring to life this essential chronicle of Ireland’s industrial heritage.

‘We had heard the words “rural electrification”, but it was the simple form, “getting the light”, that made some sense. We watched as holes were dug in fields and along the roadside and lorries dropped o the poles. Before too long the local electrician came canvassing the area for the job of wiring the houses. e cost was ten shillings for a light and one pound and ten shillings for a plug. A light in every room of the house, with a plug or two in the kitchen, was the norm.’

ABOUT THE EDITORS

Brendan Whitty started his career in 1966 as a mechanical apprentice. He spent most of his time at Lanesborough in the instrumentation section. He retired in 2002 and continues to enjoy gardening, golfing and photography.

John Loughlin joined ESB as an electrical apprentice in 1967 and was station services manager when the station closed in 2004. He spent a further eighteen months completing specialist projects in ESB Head Office before retiring and becoming a safety consultant. His hobbies include DIY, GAA and he has an active involvement in Tidy Towns.

Patsy Fallon joined ESB in 1965 and retired from the position of station shift manager in 1999. His hobbies in retirement are GAA, golf and his involvement with Lanesborough Retired Staff Association.

J.J. Fallon secured employment with the contractors during the construction of Lanesborough ‘A’ Generating Station in 1955 and retired as station shift supervisor in 1994. He has a lifetime’s interest in restoring old cars and machinery.