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Laying of Early Distribution Cables, 1929 – 1930

Photographs

Here are some recently digitised photographs from 1929-1930 of Shannon Scheme workers laying cables and constructing this brand new distribution network.

Photos show the laying of cables along Dublin’s Quays and unloading of shipment from German cable manufacturer Süddeutsche Kabelwerke Manheimm (Now Südkabel GmbH).

Black-and-white photograph showing large cable drums being unloaded from a cargo ship at a dock. Cranes and lifting equipment are used to move the drums, which contain electricity distribution cables for power network construction.

Black-and-white photograph showing workers laying electricity distribution cables along a roadside. A large cable drum is being unwound while a group of workers guide the cable beside a stone wall.

Black-and-white photograph showing workers laying an electricity distribution cable in a trench excavated along a city street. Construction materials line the roadway as the cable is installed underground.

Black-and-white photograph of a city street during the installation of an electricity distribution network. A rope is stretched accross the roadway blocking public access while workers and vehicles are gathered beside excavation works along the street.

Black-and-white photograph showing workers laying electricity distribution cables along a cobbled city street. A large workforce is gathered around the cable installation site, where cables are being positioned beside tram tracks.

Black-and-white photograph of a large cable reel mounted on a trailer being positioned by workers beside a waterfront. Industrial cranes, buildings, and harbour structures are visible in the background.

Black-and-white photograph showing workers installing underground electricity distribution cables in a street trench while local residents watch from either side of the excavation.

Historic black-and-white photograph showing a worker in a utility trench testing or monitoring an underground electricity cable using specialised equipment during the installation of the electricity distribution network.

Black-and-white photograph of a temporary high-voltage electricity installation located alongside a rural roadway. Three utility workers are standing at the entrance to a mobile substation or control cabin mounted on a trailer.

Historic black-and-white photograph showing workers joining and insulating underground electricity cables in a narrow trench during the construction of an electricity distribution network.