EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, has launched a public consultation for a critical electricity grid upgrade to improve the energy system in the Kildare and South-West Dublin regions.
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project will see the upgrading of energy infrastructure in this rapidly growing region.
With the existing electricity system in this area nearing its capacity limit, new infrastructure is required to ensure the continued reliable supply of power to schools, businesses and homes in this region.
Local stakeholders and communities are now being asked to give their feedback on initial plans for the project.
The consultation, which will run until Friday, 27th June, will give communities and local stakeholders an opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed plans.
Submissions can be made online or by post, and public information events will also be held to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and learn more about the proposals.
This feedback will be considered alongside landowner engagement and technical studies being carried out by EirGrid, to help determine the approach to project plans moving forward.
Chief Infrastructure Officer Onshore (Interim) with EirGrid, Siobhán O’Shea, said: “Electricity demand in this region is on the rise due to factors such as residential housing, commercial and industrial development, and the electrification of heat and transportation. However, the existing infrastructure in this area will not be capable of meeting the projected growth in demand.
“The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project will be key to ensuring we can continue to deliver a reliable electricity supply to communities in the area, as well as bringing the country closer to achieving a renewable-led energy system and reaching our climate ambitions.”
The project will include a new 400/220/110kV substation near the South Dublin/East Kildare border at Steelstown and a new 220/110kV substation near Castlebaggot, as well as associated circuits linking the new stations to Maynooth, Inchicore and Carrickmines substations.
This first phase of consultation will look to determine the best performing zones for where the substations will be located, as well as consulting on the best technology option for these substations.
Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, encouraged stakeholders in the area to take part in the consultation.
“At EirGrid, we’re committed to working alongside local communities as we develop our projects to upgrade the electricity grid,” she said.
“Gathering local information and feedback is key to our work, so I urge those in the area to get in touch and have their say.”
Dooley continued: “We look forward to continuing our work with local stakeholders and public bodies as this project progresses, as well as sharing details of the associated Community Benefit Fund later in the process, in order to recognise the role of communities in hosting these critical grid infrastructure upgrades.”
