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Progress Reports

All the reports

For the first time, each of the 39 progress reports published by Siemens during the construction of the scheme (1926-1929) are freely available to the public, giving unparalleled insight into the background of the project.

The reports cover a range of topics, including the design of Ardnacrusha power station and the Parteen Weir, the assembly of each component from turbines to transmission lines, as well as a glimpse into the staff encampments onsite and an exploration of the use of materials such as concrete and timber.

Each 4-page report is based on a single topic, and contains a number of maps and plans used during construction, as well as a number of never-before-seen photographs.

Images from the reports

Carpenter's workshop
Concreting the sides of the embankment
Coffer dam of the River Shannon
Preparing charges
Blasting rock
Cross-section of Weir
Finished station with head race (right) and tail race (left)
Construction of Ardnacrusha power station
Transporting a 35 ton rotor section

Download and view the reports

Click on any title below to download a PDF version of the report.

1926 
OctThe Shannon Power Development
NovCivil Engineering on the Shannon
DecSyphon under the Headrace
1927 
JanThe Camps on the Building Sites of the Shannon Scheme
FebThe Head Race
MarBuilding of Embankments with the Aid of Transporters
AprRock Excavation on the Shannon
MayStone Crushing and Washing Plant
JunWeir and Intake-Building
JulExcavation for Main Power Station
AugTransport and working Arrangements of the Shannon Scheme
SepThe Building of the Embankments
OctThe Blackwater Bridge
NovConcrete Testing and Concrete Work at the Power Station Intake Building
DecThe Gravel Washing Plant at the Weir
1928 
JanElectrical part of the Shannon Scheme: High Tension Transmission Lines
FebElectrical part of the Shannon Scheme: High Tension Transmission Lines (Continuation)
MarBlasting Operations in connection with the Shannon Scheme
AprModel Experiments on the Design for the Weir near Parteen Villa
MayConstruction of Weir Section I
JunConcrete Work at the Main Power Station
JulElectrical part of the Shannon Scheme: High Tension Transmission Lines (Continuation)
AugElectrical part of the Shannon Scheme: High Tension Transmission Lines (Continuation)
SepClonlara Rockcut and Bridge
OctThe use of Timber on the Building Sites of the Shannon Scheme
NovTurbines in the Power Station
DecProgress on the Power Station: Part I
1929 
JanProgress on the Power Station: Part II
FebElectrical part of the Shannon Scheme: Transformer Stations 38/10 KV
MarConstruction of Weir Section II
AprElectrical Part of the Shannon Scheme: 110 kV Transformer Station Dublin: Part I
MayElectrical Part of the Shannon Scheme: 110 kV Transformer Station Dublin: Part II
JunLocks at Ardnacrusha: Part I
JulLocks at Ardnacrusha: Part II
AugPower Station: General Description of the Electrical Part
SepPower Station: Transport of Material
OctThe Intake Building: Part I
NovThe Intake Building: Part II
DecCompletion of the Power Plant