Siemens Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation and Partnership in Ireland

Earlier this month, Siemens marked its 100th anniversary in Ireland, commemorating its founding on 7 January 1925 as Siemens-Schuckert (Ireland) Ltd. The company’s journey began with the construction of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme in Ardnacrusha, County Clare, in collaboration with ESB (Ireland’s leading energy company). Completed in 1929, the 86MW power plant harnessed the power of the River Shannon, becoming a pivotal part of Ireland’s electrification and laying the foundation for the country’s first national energy network.

Over the past century, Siemens has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s development, contributing to numerous landmark projects. Notably, in 1969 Siemens supported the delivery of Turlough Hill in County Wicklow, Ireland’s only pump-fed power storage plant. Siemens supplied four 73MW generators, enabling the plant to store and generate electricity efficiently, with the system capable of reaching full power of 292MW in just 70 seconds, providing electricity for up to 300,000 homes.

Siemens also played a key role in the 1980s in the development of Ireland’s transport and healthcare sectors. The company delivered the overhead line system for the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) electric rail system, installed nationwide rail signalling infrastructure, and automated over 120 level crossings with CCTV technology. In healthcare, Siemens was behind the first installation of a computed tomography (CT) scanner in Ireland at Richmond Hospital in 1978 and the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in Ireland in 1987 at Mater Private Hospital. Today, Siemens Healthineers continues to provide leading medical technology to hospitals and healthcare organisations throughout Ireland.

Joe Walsh, Siemens’ General Manager in Ireland, remarked: “As we reflect on Siemens’ 100 years in Ireland, we celebrate a century of innovation, resilience, and partnerships. Our evolution has been shaped by courage and trust, values that have guided bold decisions and fostered enduring relationships across the Island of Ireland.”

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added: “The Shannon Scheme had a profound impact on Ireland, providing the electricity essential for social and economic development. Siemens has been a valued partner in many important projects, supporting energy security and low-carbon electricity. Congratulations to Siemens on their centenary in Ireland.”

Siemens continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s future, driving innovation and sustainability in energy, healthcare, and infrastructure for the next 100 years.