EirGrid launches public consultation for critical electricity grid upgrade in Fingal and East Meath

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, has launched a public consultation for a critical electricity grid upgrade to improve the power system in the Fingal and East Meath region. 

The Fingal to East Meath Grid Reinforcement Project will see improved energy infrastructure in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

With the existing electricity system in the area at risk of reaching its capacity limit, new infrastructure is required to ensure a reliable, sustainable electricity supply to communities, residents, schools and businesses in the area. 

This initial consultation will focus on the development of a new transmission interface substation to the west of Swords, which will be linked to a substation in the East Meath area.

This will allow power to be taken from the transmission system and distributed to homes, schools and businesses in the north county Dublin and east Meath regions. 

Communities and stakeholders in the area are now being asked to give their feedback on the initial plans.

The consultation, which will run over a five-week period until 8 November, will give communities, residents and businesses in the area 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 in-person and online to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and learn more about the proposals.

This feedback, along with landowner engagement and technical studies being carried out by EirGrid, will help determine the approach to project plans moving forward.

Chief Infrastructure Officer with EirGrid, Michael Mahon said: “This development will be key to ensuring a continued secure energy supply in the Fingal and East Meath area.

“Not only will the project enhance the local grid, providing capacity to support increasing electricity demands to enable local economic growth and housing, it will also help the country reach its renewable energy targets.”

Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, said: “It is important that we gather crucial local knowledge on the options we are considering.

“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 not only actively engage with all stakeholders to ensure their views are heard, but also collaborate with public bodies.”

Dooley continued: “We also look forward to sharing details of the associated Community Benefit Fund later in the process, in order to recognise the role of communities in hosting important grid infrastructure upgrades.”

CEO of Fingal Chamber, Anthony Cooney, encouraged people in the area to have their say.

“With residential and economic activity in our area growing, improved infrastructure will support this rise in energy demand, allowing our community to continue to thrive,” he said.

“I encourage you to give feedback and contribute to creating a reliable electricity supply to our homes, schools and businesses.”

For more information and to have your say, visit www.eirgrid.ie/fingaleastmeath.