Work began in 1925 in co-operation with the German engineering firm, Siemens and during construction over 5000 men were employed. This was the largest engineering project undertaken by the Free State government following the Irish civil war.
When completed in 1929 the project ranked alongside other great engineering feats such as the building of the Panama canal. Recieved a recent landmark award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Camera; Digital
Photo; July 2007
Stock library image file # dr_f2_3593