Major cable-laying project in Mayo gets strong support at council meeting

Mayo County Council will carry out the supervision and advisory role on the EirGrid North Connacht 110KV project after reaching an agreement with its counterpart in Roscommon.

Outlining the proposal to councillors at last week's council meeting, Director of Services for Infrastructure and Emergency Response David Mellett said the North Connacht 110KV Project involves the installation of an underground electricity cable between the Moy substation in Gurteen, Ballina and the Tonroe substation in the townland of Ballyoughter, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. 

“The project will entail the laying of 59km of new cable and will substantially increase the capacity of the grid to support housing and connectivity. The overall project needs to be supervised by Mayo County Council to comply with planning and protect the road network. We hereby propose to carry out that supervision, which EirGrid will pay for, with the majority of the works being in Mayo.” 

The proposal was welcomed by members with many pointing out how important increased connectivity is to homeowners, businesses and the general population throughout the county. However, Cllr Harry Barrett, while supporting the project, suggested that the proposal be put on hold and used as leverage to compel wind energy producers in the county “that pay miniscule connection charges” to increase their community benefit funds. 

This suggestion was roundly rejected by colleagues, including Cllr Gerry Coyle who said he could not envisage stopping the EirGrid development, notwithstanding the fact that it is "a disgrace" that North Mayo is only getting a “bit of money” from the wind farms.

"I want to see electricity coming in here. One time, houses didn’t need much electricity but now all houses need it and people need to know they can depend on a reliable and constant supply. We too want our fair share in the barony of Erris, which is bigger than all of County Louth. We also deserve proper supply for our hospitals and public infrastructure, and I would not stop infrastructure being built as that would be a case of cutting off my nose to spite my face.” 

Cllr John Caulfield said he supported the engagement with Roscommon County Council, adding: “This project is going on for years and never has it been more important that we become energy self-sufficient. We don’t want anything put in the way of progressing this. The cable is going through my own parish, let’s go ahead and do it.” 

Cllr Damien Ryan also supported the proposal, saying: “It is critical the national grid in this county is capable of sustaining any industry that may want to come to Mayo and that we have the power to supply and look after our people 365 days a year.” 

Cllr Neil Cruise said it would be foolhardy to object, recalling the original proposal for a 400KV line, which he said would have given complete energy stability to the county. 

“North Mayo and Ballina are teetering on the brink, often being at the point of the lights going out because of demand on the grid. This is the proper way to go, and I would not like to go back to the days of the opposition to the 400KV cable, which finished that project. If things get delayed organisations start getting shaky and it doesn’t take a lot for a project to stop or move elsewhere. But technology has improved and while I would prefer to see more than 110KV come in, I welcome this proposal.”

Cllr Gerry Murray said that “unfortunately the horse has bolted since the energy market was deregulated after the Exchequer decided to step away from electricity generation”, adding: “This piece of infrastructure is essential and has to go through."

Cllr Michael Burke also supported the proposal, saying: “It is vital we have proper energy supply in our county and every industry will look to what we have to offer in this regard.”

Mr Mellett pointed out that the EirGrid project was separate from wind energy production in Mayo.

“This is a capital project approved for planning, and while it will support renewable energy, it is not connected to such a project. There is also a €5.3m community benefit associated with this scheme.” 

Director of Services Joanne Grehan added: “In relation to the request of Cllr Barrett, we have already written to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Owenwinny Wind Farm on that matter, which is separate to this EirGrid matter, and would very much appreciate if we could move ahead with that separately.” 

The management proposal was supported by councillors and the agreement with Roscommon County Council was given the go-ahead.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.