EirGrid identifies potential site for new substation to power electricity needs of central Dublin

EirGrid, which operates, manages and develops the electricity grid, has shared plans for a new substation in East Wall that will help to meet growing electricity needs in the central Dublin area.

The new Central Dublin Substation will connect electricity from the national grid to the local network. It is an essential piece of infrastructure, making sure there is enough power supply for communities and businesses in the area into the future.

Following extensive investigations EirGrid has identified a suitable potential site on East Wall Road for the new substation, with construction due to commence in 2028.

EirGrid will be holding a series of public information events locally on its substation development project over the coming weeks.

The Central Dublin Substation will be a key enabler for the growth in electrically-powered forms of transport, including electric vehicles and public transport options, along with the rollout of electric heat pumps, which is gathering pace.

As well as securing local electricity supply for the future, the project will be vital in bringing greater amounts of clean renewable energy onto the system, and supporting residential and commercial development.

The Central Dublin Substation project is part of the Powering Up Dublin programme aiming to transform and modernise the city’s electricity infrastructure by replacing high voltage underground cables, and upgrading and adding new substations.

Speaking on the project, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said: “This new substation will be key to ensuring a continued secure supply of electricity for the central Dublin area.

“This is part of not only a wider programme across Dublin but a national programme of upgrades to electricity infrastructure to support the transition to a renewable energy future. EirGrid wants to make sure that communities have the benefit of this transition, which is why projects like this on a local level are important.

“We are committed to putting communities at the centre of our work. In line with this commitment we will keep people in the local area informed every step of the way as the project progresses, beginning with a series of public information events over the next few weeks.

“We will also continue to work with other utilities, local authorities and public service providers through the Dublin Infrastructure Forum set up by EirGrid to ensure there is joined-up thinking for works taking place in the city.

“Later in the process we will be sharing details of an associated Community Benefit Fund, recognising the role of local communities in hosting important grid infrastructure.”