The Shannon Scheme was officially opened at Parteen Weir on 22 July 1929. It was one of the largest engineering projects of its day, executed by Siemens to harness the Shannon River through a large-scale hydroelectric plant. Unlike other 'first national power plants,' the Shannon Scheme is explicitly documented as the model that served as a reference for large-scale electrification projects in other countries. Operated by the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland, it had an immediate impact on the country's social, economic, and industrial development.