Free talk tonight on fascinating period of local history: The Flooding of the Lakes at Blessington Library, from 7.30pm

Tonight will see Blessington Library host a talk on the emotive issue of the flooding of the lakes.

This talk given by local archaeologist, Liz Gardner will peruse a fascinating passage in the history of Poulaphouca and the surrounding areas.

At 10am on March 3, 1940 the sluice gate diverting the River Liffey around the Poulaphouca Dam was closed and the Poulaphouca Reservoir began to fill.

At least 6500 acres of land had been cleared to make way for the reservoir and 76 houses were lost to the floodwaters, including the whole townland of Ballinahown.

The parishes and townslands of Valleymount, Russeltown, Burgage, Ballymore Eustace and Poulaphouca were impacted as Compulsory Purchases were enforced and families who had generational links to the areas, were effectively ‘displaced’ and relocated. Homes, farmlands, wells and cemeteries were buried under water.

Library Manager, Margaret Birchall invites all history buffs or anyone with an interest in the lakes, to drop up to the Library tonight starting at 7.30pm at Blessington Library. The Library is located on the first floor at Blessington Shopping Centre, over Dunnes Stores.

Admission is free!

Images used from “Stories of the Flooded Valley” published by St Joseph's Parish in Valleymount.