EirGrid - supporting communities while delivering a more resilient energy system
This critical project will add a new 110kV underground line to the electricity grid in Co Mayo and Co Roscommon, travelling between Ballina and Ballaghaderreen, providing enough electricity to power 150,000 homes.
EirGrid, Ireland's electricity grid operator, is progressing with work to strengthen the grid in the west, ensuring a continued, reliable energy supply across the region.
Providing an electricity system that is not only secure but can also harness renewable energy sources such as solar and wind requires robust, resilient infrastructure.
That's why EirGrid is carrying out the most ambitious programme of work ever undertaken on the transmission system in Ireland, which includes the delivery of the North Connacht 110kV project.
This critical project willâ¯addâ¯a new 110kV undergroundâ¯line to the electricity grid in Co Mayo and Co Roscommon, travelling between Ballina and Ballaghaderreen, providing enough electricity to power 150,000 homes.
A significant milestone was recently reached in this project, with delivery partners ESB Networks starting construction.
Speaking about the benefits of this project, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley, said: “A strong, resilient grid is the backbone of any thriving society.
“Once delivered, this project will allow us to provide the electricity capacity needed to meet increasing energy demand, helping support economic growth, housing and businesses in this region.
“We at EirGrid also have a clear task to deliver a cleaner energy system, and this project will bring us closer towards meeting Government targets for 80% of our energy to come from renewable sources.”
At EirGrid, there is an awareness that building out the electricity system cannot be done in isolation and requires close engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
To acknowledge this, EirGrid has established a €1.53 million community benefit fund associated with this project, which will benefit not-for-profit organisations, voluntary organisations, and community groups in the project area, supporting community, biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.
The recipients of the first phase of the fund were recently announced, with a total of €567,643.22 awarded to 34 groups.
Dooley continued: “This fund shows the value that we place on engaging with the communities who are supporting us as we work with our stakeholders to deliver this infrastructure, and we also acknowledge the temporary disruption during delivery.
"We are delighted to support these local projects and would like to thank communities across Mayo and Roscommon who have collaborated with us to date, including the members on our community forum.”
She concluded: “We look forward to continuing this engagement as we continue to work to deliver a stronger, more resilient grid for the west.”
For more information on how EirGrid is strengthening the power system in the west, visit www.eirgrid.ie/northconnacht.
