The Lee scheme is of major value to the nation. In the last six years, the Lee stations have had an average 92.5 per cent performance rate, which is an exceptional figure for a fifty-year-old plant. The design has stood the test of time, producing high-quality, efficient, clean and renewable energy. The care, commitment, dedication and technical skills of past and present ESB staff have contributed significantly to its ongoing success. The Roll of Honour in Inniscarra dam honours 261 past staff. In the beginning, both plants were fully manned; in the early 1960s, a remote control link was established between both stations, which could be controlled from Inniscarra control room. By 1988, technology had advanced to such a degree that one man could control both dams, and in 2004 a hydro control centre operated from Turlough Hill in Wicklow, with after-hour control of all hydro stations.

In the event of flood control and subsequently initiated safety measures, all alarms are relayed to the hydro control centre and Inniscarra staff. Alarms are also relayed to an outside security company. The Lee plant controllers, technical officers and plant manager all have home laptops and can view any ongoing developments. The system of rain gauges at both dams plus lake levels can relay information and give historic breakdowns over the previous twenty-four hours.

The Lee scheme has made a huge contribution to Cork and to the nation. In 2008, the stations and their generation of electricity will inject €3 million into the local economy. There are several other positive aspects in the development of the Lee scheme. The reservoir at Inniscarra is an essential source of water for the Cork area. Most of the major industry in lower Cork Harbour is now supplied with water from the Lee, which is abstracted and treated at the Cork County Council water works at Inniscarra. The establishment of the National Rowing Centre and the tremendous development of local amenities such as fishing (both coarse and salmon), water-skiing, picnic areas, scenic walks, boating and sailing and the preservation of the Gearagh have all been made possible by the Lee hydroelectric scheme.

My thanks to Liam Buckley, Plant Manager, ESB Lee Stations and his staff for their time, courtesy and knowledge.

To be continued…

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