Progress on EirGrid's 110kV project a boost for Mayo communities

EirGrid community and liaison officer Eoghan O’Sullivan has given a presentation and update on their North Connaught 110kV project.

Speaking at a meeting of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District, he said the infrastructure consists of approximately 59km of underground electricity cable and runs from the Moy substation in Ballina to the Tonroe substation in Ballaghaderreen.

The new line will strengthen the grid in Connaught and will provide electricity capacity to meet increasing electricity demand, whilst supporting economic growth in the area.

By connecting to renewable energy, it will also help to meet Ireland’s climate targets.

The plans for the project include upgrade and extension work to the Moy and Tonroe substations, an upgrade of the existing 110kV overhead line between Tonroe and Flagford substations in Roscommon – the location of the line will not change.

It is expected that the project will be completed in 2028.

Planning permission was granted in September 2023 by An Bord Pleanála subject to 31 discharge conditions.

The North Connaught Community Forum brought people and organisations from the area together for discussions, allowing for a better understanding while proper consideration was given to stakeholders and community views.

There will also be a community benefit fund of €1.53 million established by EirGrid.

The fund will be invested over the project period (2025 to 2028) in communities within 2km zone around the proposed cable line, focusing on supporting community development, sustainability, and biodiversity.

EirGrid is managing the fund, and applications for the project are now being accepted, further details of which are available online..

Councillor Damien Ryan welcomed the update, stating this type of infrastructure is vital if the county is to develop.

“You have to take the county as part of the national plan. If we don’t have the infrastructure to service industry into the county, then we are not going to be considered for public or private funding,” he said.

"It is very important that things are done in a planned and proper manner. At the end of the day, the networks have to be sustainable and be able to take opportunities when they present themselves. I absolutely welcome the community development fund and it is very much appreciated.”