EirGrid consulting with local communities on plans to strengthen the electricity grid in Wicklow

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, is consulting with local communities and stakeholders on the redevelopment of a critical substation in Co Wicklow.

The Arklow 220 kV Station Redevelopment will see the construction of a replacement transmission substation, to help deliver a consistent and reliable supply of electricity to the region.

With the existing substation in Arklow approaching end of life, the initial consultation will focus on an adjacent site which has been identified as the most suitable to develop the replacement substation.

This essential piece of infrastructure will connect electricity from the national grid to the local network, ensuring a secure future power supply for homes, schools and businesses in the region.

EirGrid will hold drop-in public information events over the coming weeks, where attendees can view details of the project and speak with EirGrid’s community liaison officer and a member of its technical team.

This development is part of the critical Powering Up Wicklow programme, which will strengthen key electricity infrastructure in the county and the surrounding areas, helping to deliver a consistent and reliable supply of electricity to local communities.

Multiple potential sites were assessed for suitability for the project, with factors such as technical feasibility, deliverability, socio-economic impact and environmental impact considered.

Construction is expected to commence in 2028 and be completed by 2030, with the substation due to be fully energised by 2035.

“This development is key to ensuring a continued reliable supply of electricity for Wicklow,” EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said.

“It will also provide capacity for future projects such as offshore wind development, which will bring more renewable power onto the grid, helping the country reach its renewable energy targets.”

“We at EirGrid are committed to putting communities at the centre of our work to transform our electricity system for future generations, and we will continue to engage with the public on how we move forward with our plans.

“Later in the process, we will share details of the associated community benefit fund, which recognises the role of local communities in hosting critical grid infrastructure projects," Mahon concluded.