Honouring the Foundations of Irish Public Relations with ESB and Iarnród Éireann
Ninety years (almost to the day) Ned Lawler, a Dublin Journalist was appointed as ESB’s Public Relations Officer (1 July 1928). This was the first appointment of its kind in Ireland and Ned Lawler went on to become the first President of PRII, when it was established in 1953.
Shortly after his appointment Ned Lawlor initiated a national media campaign in daily and weekly newspapers on 1 September 1928 to educate the Irish public on the advantages of electricity for domestic and industrial use. As well as detailing the work involved in the construction of the Shannon Scheme (the generating station at Ardnacrusha and the Parteen weir). ESB established a tourist office in Limerick to facilitate national and international visitors. Ned Lalwor himself led the public tours of Ardnacrusha in 1928, with most travelling there by train. It is estimated that 85,000 visitors were welcomed in the first nine months.
Last year, the ESB revived this tradition with the opening of the Ardnacrusha Experience to celebrate the company’s 90 years. Later this month PRII Members and their families will be able to enjoy this experience for themselves with the generous help of ESB and Iarnród Éireann.
Family Fun Day
On Saturday 21 July, members will travel - in our very own train carriage - kindly provided by Iarnród Éireann, to the ESB Ardnacrusha Experience in Shannon, kindly organised by ESB.
Members from Outside Dublin
Members from outside Dublin are also welcome to make their own way and join us at Ardnacrusha on the day.
Once inside the massive station, tour guides and animations tell the story and impact of this iconic project. PRII visitors will be given access to the very heart of the station with unique views of the huge turbine hall and a visit to the original control room.
And outdoors there are the largest canal locks in Ireland and food, music and face-painting!
Reserve Your Free Place By 1pm Thursday 12 July
This is a free event, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors ESB and Iarnród Éireann.
But registration is necessary to book your seats and will close at 1pm on Thursday next, 12 July.
Please let us know how many adults and children in your party using by emailing Loading...with the subject line PRII Family Day Out.
Please do so even if you have already expressed interest.
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