EirGrid consider underground option on major line upgrade
A PUBLIC consultation to discuss plans to upgrade the national grid between Meath and Kildare will include an underground option as well as a brand new 400 kV overhead line.
EirGrid has announced its latest proposals for a new electricity infrastructure project between Dunston in Kildare and Woodland near Batterstown ahead of a major public consultation in the autumn.
However, the inclusion of an undergrounding option in the proposals has led to questions on why the company won't consider undergrounding the North South Interconnector (NSI) connecting Meath and Northern Ireland.
The North East Pylon Pressure Group (NEPPC) have been campaigning against proposals for a 138-kilometre north-south overhead 400kv electricity interconnector linking an existing substation in Woodland, with a planned substation in Turleenan, Co. Tyrone.
They have a very simple message for EirGrid – put the NSI through the same criteria as for the Kildare-Meath Line and include real costs to date.
EirGrid says the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade will support the distribution of power in Meath, Kildare and surrounding counties and ensure a safe, secure and sustainable electricity supply.
The company is looking at five different options: the up-voltage of two existing 220KV overhead lines between Dunstown and Woodland to 400KV; a brand new 400KV overhead line; a new 220KV underground cable and two options for a 400KV underground cable.
EirGrid says all of these options are equally safe.
Michael Mahon, Chief Infrastructure Officer for EirGrid said: “This project is critical to help move electricity to where it is needed most. “The Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade will help boost economic growth in the area and is essential if Ireland is to meet its renewable energy targets.
“We have not yet made a decision on the type of technology or specific route for this project; this is very much the beginning of a two-way process between ourselves and the community.”
Padraig O'Reilly of NEPPC said EirGrid had changed its approach in terms of what criteria are important in making a decision as to which technology should be chosen, adding two new criteria, socio-economic and deliverability.
“For the North-South Interconnector (NSI) the criteria focused totally on technical aspects and excluded the public impact, landscape and the environmental effects and the overall deliverability of the project.”
Mr O'Reilly called on EirGrid to put the NSI through the same criteria as for the Kildare-Meath Line. “The project will fail the test from a socio-economic impact side, from an environmental perspective and from a deliverability perspective.
“Additionally, there is one criterion that is not even mentioned for the Kildare-Meath Line – unnecessary health risks. Underground cable systems solve all health concerns, such that affected communities do not have to bear the risk or the burden of having their health compromised in any way.”
"The change of tactics and the approach being taken on the Kildare Meath line is further evidence that the NSI in its current format will never be delivered”, stated Aimée Treacy, chairperson of NEPPC.
“EirGrid cannot apply one set of criteria for one line and a totally different set for another, depending on for instance which part of County Meath you reside. The landowners and communities affected by the NSI will not allow themselves to be treated like the poor relations of the Grid Strategy," she said.
As part of the consultation process the public can ask questions via KildareMeath@eirgrid.com or request a phone call back from the EirGrid team ahead of the public consultation this autumn. The team, through Community Liaison Officer Eoghan O’Sullivan, are also available to talk with you on 087 247 7732. Mobile information unit will be in locations throughout Kildare and Meath in August with details of this available on www.eirgrid.com.”