Currents of Change

Through this project, I investigated the River Shannon and the intricate relationship between human intervention and the environmental impact of man-made infrastructure. My research focused on the Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station, a structure that symbolized industrial progress but profoundly affected the river’s ecosystem. Built in 1929, the station created a major barrier to fish migration, particularly for native species like the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla), whose population experienced a drastic decline.

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The European Eel’s decline was stark, with returns to European rivers dropping by 95% since the 1980s. Additional barriers, including weirs at Parteen, Annacotty, Meelick, Athlone, Tarmonbarry, and Ballintra, compounded this issue, disrupting the river’s natural flow. Similarly, salmon migrations through the Shannon scheme dropped dramatically, from approximately 9,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 1,000 in the last decade. These figures highlighted the devastating impact of infrastructure on the river’s biodiversity.

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Having grown up in Castleconnell, I had a personal connection to the River Shannon, which informed my perspective and creative approach. In my studio practice, I explored the enduring effects of urbanization and industrialization, examining their impact on the river’s landscape and cultural identity—particularly within the fishing industry and native species populations. The final work features a bold red line connecting Ardnacrusha and Annacotty Weir, emphasizing the barriers’ environmental impact and the urgent need for change. Behind this, a vinyl ‘map’ traces the disrupted journey of the eel population along the Shannon. The work reflects my engagement with the intersections of human activity, environmental degradation, and the necessity for ecological awareness.