Page 92 - GAHS Journal Volume 9

WICKLOW'S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY

The first works now referred to as the Lower basin had
a capacity of 11.3 billion litres and a maximum depth
of 18.3 metres. A second embankment, 3.5 km
upstream, was completed in 1923 to form the upper
reservoir. This has a capacity of 5.6 billion litres and a
maximum depth of 13.4 metres

In 2016 the National Government is contemplating
spending €200 million on an upgrade of the treatment
works to increase throughput and the quality of the
outgoing water.

Blessington Lakes or Poulaphouca Dam

As demand increased in Dublin a larger source of
water was sought and the decision was made to
construct a dam at Poulaphouca [the Púca’s hole] in
1937. This was a joint project with the Electricity
Supply Board [ESB] and Dublin City Council to supply
potable water and electrical power. The 30MW power
station would be the second hydroelectric power
station in Ireland after that at Ardnacrusha. Built during
the second world war construction was slow and no
German technology could be used.

Turlough Hill

In 1974 the pumped storage scheme was started at
Turlough Hill. This now forms an essential part of the
electricity network for Ireland. The power station
enables the electrical grid to maintain power at or near
50 cycles per second by being able to bring on line
considerable electrical power within 15 seconds of the
demand. The station can generate 290MW of power
for 4.5 hours by using water stored at the top of the hill

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