Laois Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement

The grid in Kilkenny and Laois needs to be upgraded to reduce risks to the quality and security of the power supply in the immediate area, as well as in the adjacent counties of Carlow and Kildare. 

The upgrade will help meet the increased demand for electricity in the area. Projected growth in electricity demand in the area will cause problems in the future if not addressed.

This project proposes to develop a new electricity line between the two counties. The plan follows the grid planning criteria for these areas, and includes minimal new infrastructure.

We have planned for the installation of interim measures in the Kilkenny substation. This will ensure electricity supply to the area, but is only a short-term measure. It does not address the underlying risks to the security and quality of the electricity supply.

For the Laois Kilkenny Reinforcement Project, the proposed infrastructure includes:

The project will address the regional concerns on the grid. In particular, it ensures that the power system can meet the grid’s technical standards. 

All parts of Ireland need a reliable, high quality standard of electricity supply. This ensures that our electricity grid can meet the present and future needs of all users; from homes and farms, to small businesses and industry. 

A strong electricity grid provides this reassurance, as Ireland transitions to a low carbon electricity future. It will also provide the capacity and security of supply demanded by industry and high-tech users. 

This will allow the region to compete for and retain businesses with employment potential. 

Below shows the status for different elements of the project.

April 2024

Coolnabacky

Work is under way at the Coolnabacky Substation site.

Surveys have been conducted in line with the construction plans, and site clearance and enabling works have begun. 

Works will continue over the rest of the year, progressing to construction and installation of the 110 kV electrical primary plant.

Ballyragget-Coolnabacky 110 kV line

The Kilkenny side of the 110 kV line is nearing completion, whilst a significant portion of polesets and angle towers have been constructed on the Laois side. 

Works will continue over the rest of the year, with the remaining structures, stringing and fibre wrapping of the line to be undertaken. 

The Laois Kilkenny community forum brings together people and organisations from the area. It means we can discuss, understand, and properly consider stakeholder and community views.

Irish Rural Link is the independent chair of this community forum.

The role of the forum is to advise on:

Membership

The Community Forum comprises local representatives from community groups and associations and elected representatives in Laois and Kilkenny.

In April 2021 we held an information evening about the setup of the forum. We then opened a public nomination period where community groups were invited to express an interest in sitting on the forum. 

New membership to the forum is now closed.

We aim to create as little disturbance as possible, but at times work on the electricity system can involve some disruption to communities. 

For this reason, a dedicated fund for new grid development is made available to provide direct benefits to communities who are closest to new transmission infrastructure.

Second phase of €511,500 Laois-Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund awarded to local groups

EirGrid has awarded €153,450 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Laois and Kilkenny as part of its Community Benefit Fund initiative.

The outcome of phase 2 of the Laois Kilkenny Reinforcement project Community Benefit fund was announced on Thursday 12 September 2024. 

All applicants were contacted by M-CO, the fund administrator.

This latest instalment of benefit sharing represents 30% of the total fund, with successful applicants and projects in Ballinakill, Ballyouskill, Ballyragget, Rosconnell, Spink and Timahoe all receiving funding.

Phase 2 of the fund was extremely well received, with 14 community groups in total receiving funding.

Successful projects were located throughout the project area, featuring a broad range of activities and will enable community infrastructure upgrades for social and sports hubs, it will also support local culture and heritage, as well as environmental and sustainability initiatives.

We look forward to continuing to work with M-CO, our forum members, local councils and the wider communities and not-for-profit organisations in the project area.  

You can find all documents relating to the Laois Kilkenny Reinforcement Project in our Publications section. Search for 'Laois Kilkenny' to find all the information you need on phase one and phase two reports, as well as all other relevant documents.

Community Forum Minutes of Meetings