Minister launches new book on ESB properties
Anew book compiled and edited by Brendan Delany, Judith Doherty and Peter Carroll titled A Heritage Inventory of ESB Buildings in Ireland was launched at the Customs House on Monday 24th October. Brendan Delany, ESB Archive & Heritage Manager, who was ESB's Project Manager for the study, welcomed all the guests and thanked all those involved in the completion of the inventory project, as well as those who had contributed to the publication of the book.
The book details the fact that over its history ESB has played a significant role in the construction of the national infrastructure. In the process ESB has acquired a sizable property portfolio. These developments have left ESB with a legacy of installations, buildings and landscapes which form a core part not only of its own, but also of the national heritage, which needs to be safeguarded and managed in a responsible way.The publication provides details of an architectural evaluation of 226 ESB properties including 24 Power Stations.
Speaking at the launch, Tony Donnelly, Deputy Chief Executive of ESB outlined the background to the study. "ESB recognised that there would be a significant amount of change to its Property Portfolio as the Electricity Industry in Ireland was about to be altered forever, with deregulation and full competition, and therefore this would be an opportune time to undertake this project. As we look back now we can see that is exactly what has happened over the last 5 years or so. Without assistance from every level of ESB this project would not have happened."
Michael Starrett of the Chief Executive of the Heritage Council thanked all involved in the completion of this unique inventory and publication. He commended ESB for undertaking this publication with the support of the Heritage Council, as it was a demonstration of ESB support for Government Architectural Policy. This policy was set out in a policy document, Action on Architecture, published in 2002, whose key objective was the preparation by public authorities of inventories of their historic property portfolios.
"ESB has proved to be an exemplary public authority in the way in which it views its heritage responsibilities. The Heritage Council commends the ESB for its many initiatives in this regard - the establishment of the Dalton Centre, the restoration of Number Twenty Nine (a Georgian Museum in Fitzwilliam Street), the establishment of an archive and the production of some fine publications recording the role that ESB has played in the 20th Century heritage of Ireland. The Heritage Council looks forward to the completion of the cooling tower model, the further development and opening to the public of the Dalton Centre, and ongoing dialogue with ESB on heritage matters."
Speaking at the launch, Minister Dick Roche T. D. said "Our architectural heritage is a unique and special resource. It gives us a sense of identity and a sense of place. There is no doubt that the ESB collection of properties is of huge importance in understanding the social, technical and economic development of this country since independence. I am sure you will agree that A Heritage Inventory of ESB Buildings in Ireland is a particularly impressive publication that highlights changing architectural styles and influences from 1929 to the present day. What is particularly important about this inventory is that it records the crossing-point between architecture and the influence that engineering requirements bring to bear on the built form.
