The lost village in Wicklow

An advertisement in the Irish Independent in January 1937asking for tenders announced to the world the intention of the ESB to commence work at Poulaphouca in county Wicklow. The tender noted:

THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BOARD invites Tenders for the civil construction work of the _hydroelectrical development on the River Liffey at Poulaphuca, Co. Wicklow. The -work is divided into three sections: Section I.—Main Power Development at Poulaphuca, consisting of Dam, Pressure Tunnel about 1.300ft. long, Surge Tank and Power Station for an installation of about 20,000 kw. and ancillary works. Section II. Power plant at Golden Falls, consisting of Dam, Power Station for installation of about 3,000 kw. and Approach Road. Section III.—Three road bridges within the Reservoir area, 600 ft., 420 ft., And 360 ft. long, respectively, together with Approach Roads.

The Poulaphouca village was flooded in 1940 when the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) created the Poulaphouca Reservoir. This was part of a project to build a hydroelectric station. The reservoir was created by damming the River Liffey. 

The flooding began on March 3, 1940, at 10:00. The project involved the demolition of 76 houses and blowing up bridges at Humphreystown, Baltyboys, and Burgage. The village of Poulaphouca and a large surrounding area were submerged. 

In 1958 the Irish Independent reported on the progress of the scheme 17 years after the flooding of the valley had commenced. The report noted:

The changes which have taken place in the fish, plant and animal life of the area now covered by the Poufaphuca Lake, Co. Wicklow, in the 17 years of its existence, will be investigated shortly, as recently reported in the " Irish Independent, " by the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Lands.

These photographs were taken in 1936, when preparations were being made for the construction of the Poulaphuca Dam for the purpose of creating the present great lake at Blessington.

The subjects of the pictures now lie far below the surface of the water at points corresponding to the letters on the accompanying diagram of the lake.

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