EirGrid launches consultation for Kildare electricity grid upgrade
Feedback is being gathered on the available technology options for a circuit required to connect a proposed substation in Steelstown to an existing substation in Carrickmines.
EIRGRID, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, has launched a public consultation for the latest phase of a critical electricity grid upgrade to improve the energy system in the Kildare and South-West Dublin regions.
With the existing electricity system in this area nearing its capacity limit, this new infrastructure is needed to ensure the continued reliable supply of power to schools, farms, businesses and homes in the area.
Communities and stakeholders in the area are now being asked to give their feedback on plans for the project.
The consultation, running over an 8-week period until Friday, July 3, will focus on gathering feedback on the available technology options for a circuit required to connect a proposed substation in Steelstown to an existing substation in Carrickmines.
This will allow power to be taken from the transmission system and distributed to homes, schools and businesses across Kildare and West Dublin.
The consultation 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 to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and learn more about the proposals.
This feedback, along with stakeholder engagement and technical studies being carried out by EirGrid, will help determine the approach to project plans moving forward.
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement 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 Hynestown, as well as associated circuits linking the new stations to existing substations in Maynooth, Inchicore and Carrickmines.
Chief Infrastructure Officer with EirGrid, Siobhán O’Shea, said: “Not only will this project be key to enhancing the grid in Kildare and West Dublin, 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.” “I encourage you to give your feedback on our initial plans and contribute to creating a more secure electricity supply to our homes, communities and businesses.” EirGrid recently determined that the best performing technology solution for the circuit connecting the two substations to each other, and to the existing substation in Maynooth, is via underground cable.
For more information and to have your say, visit www.eirgrid.ie/kildaredublin
