
Earlier this month, the global technology company Siemens celebrated its 100th anniversary in Ireland, following its founding on 7 January 1925 of Siemens-Schuckert (Ireland) Ltd. The company’s journey began with
ESB (Ireland’s leading energy company) and the construction of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme (pictured) in Ardnacrusha, County Clare, which started in 1925.
Completed four years later, the 86MW power plant harnessed the power of the River Shannon, ushering in the electrification of the country and laying the groundwork for Ireland’s first national energy network. This continues to benefit from the renewable energy produced at Ardnacrusha.
In the years since the delivery of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme, Siemens has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s development. For example, in 1969 Siemens supported the delivery of Turlough Hill in Co Wicklow; this is still Ireland’s only pump-fed power storage plant and makes use of two water reservoirs separated by 300m in the Wicklow Mountains to generate electricity. Siemens supplied four 73MW generators for the plant to provide a reliable and efficient way to store and generate electricity; the system can ramp up to full power of 292MW in just 70sec, enough electricity for 300,000 homes.
In the 1980s, the business provided the overhead line system for the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) electric rail system, installed the nationwide rail signalling infrastructure which it has continued to maintain since the early 1990s, and automated over 120 level crossings with CCTV technology. Siemens also supported the first installation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner in Ireland at Richmond Hospital in 1978 and the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in Ireland in 1987 at Mater Private Hospital. Siemens Healthineers continues to support hospitals and healthcare organisations with leading medical technology throughout Ireland.
Joe Walsh, Siemens’ general manager in Ireland, said: “As we look back on Siemens’ 100 years in Ireland, we are celebrating a century of innovation, resilience, and partnerships. Since our incorporation in 1925, Siemens has evolved significantly, adapting to ever-changing global markets through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transformations. Our heritage is built on a foundation of courage and trust — values have driven bold decisions and fostered strong, enduring business relationships across the Island of Ireland.”
Paddy Hayes, ESB’s chief executive, concluded: “The Shannon Scheme had a profound impact on Ireland at the time, providing the electricity essential for social and economic development. Since then, ESB has worked together with Siemens on many important projects supporting resilience, energy security and low-carbon electricity. Many congratulations to Siemens on their centenary in Ireland.”