Pathways to Power: A History of Lanesborough Power Station

“We watched as holes were dug in fields and along the roadside and lorries dropped off the poles. Before too long the local electrician came canvassing the area for the job of wiring the houses. The 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.‘

Lanesborough Power Station in County Longford was one of the most cost-effective and efficient peat-fired power stations in Ireland. For over forty-six years it powered the needs of 35,000 homes every year, using both sod and milled peat to generate electricity.

Lanesborough’s efficiency, safety and availability records were exemplary, with management and staff sharing a proprietorial pride in the station’s day-to-day operation and its significant contribution to the development of ESB and the wider community.

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