Portarlington Power Station
In the early 1950’s, Portarlington and Allenwood power stations were opened as part of the first development programme for peat production.
1950s
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Man Digging Drain by Hand
The early stages of draining had to be done by hand. Only when the bog was capable of supporting drainage machines could they be introduced.
Mechanical Loading of Sod Peat
During the 1950’s, mechanical sod peat loading machines became widespread – eliminating the back-breaking manual loading work.
Ballydermot Hostel and Works
During the first development programme it remained necessary to import workers from outside the areas being developed and hostels were used to house the men.
Recruitment Photograph
In the early 1950’s there were serious shortages of labour and Bord na Móna made strenuous efforts to increase recruitment of labour.
Cutting Moss Peat by Hand
Sod moss was first cut in winter by hand, stored on the bog, and transported by rail to the factory where it was processed into bales.
Sewing Moss Peat Bales
The moss peat bales were sewed at the ends and then exported to the UK and USA.
First Ever Milled Peat Loader
Milled peat production could be fully mechanised, required less labour than machine turf, and cost 30% less to produce.
Offset Miller
Milled peat production fields are cambered along the drain edges by an offset miller. This is to facilitate the run-off of rainwater from the field.
International Peat Symposium Bog Visit in 1954
In 1954, Bord na Móna organised the first international peat symposium. This was a great success and conferred great prestige on the company.
Apprentices at off the Job Training
In 1947, the board approved an apprenticeship scheme which was set up in a structured way in the 1950’s.