Critical electricity grid upgrade plan to improve power system in East Meath region

EirGrid, operator and developer of the electricity grid, has shared an update on plans 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.

It will involve 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.

In late 2024, EirGrid held a five-week-long public consultation to discuss the grid enhancement project with local communities and businesses, and to get their feedback on the initial plans.

After assessing the various options based on this feedback and environmental, economic, and technical factors, Zone 1, as shown in the below map, and Gas-Insulated Switchgear Substation technology have been identified as the preferred options moving forward.

As it is typically housed indoors in dedicated buildings, Gas-Insulated Switchgear Substation technology has a lesser visual impact on the landscape, as well as a smaller footprint compared to Air Insulated Switchgear.

The next steps in the project will focus on identifying specific sites within Zone 1 and routes for connection into existing assets and the proposed substation in the East Meath area.

EirGrid will continue to seek input from local communities on the project’s design as part of its planning process.

As well as securing local electricity supply for future generations, this project will also be vital in bringing greater amounts of clean renewable energy onto the grid.

“With the existing electricity system in the area at risk of reaching its capacity limit, the Fingal to East Meath Grid Reinforcement Project is required to ensure a reliable, sustainable electricity supply to communities, residents, schools and businesses in the area,” Chief Infrastructure Officer with EirGrid, Michael Mahon, said.

“However, none of this is possible without the support and input of local communities, which is why we at EirGrid will continue to engage with local stakeholders as this project progresses.”

“Gathering local knowledge is crucial to our plans, so we would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. We look forward to sharing details of an associated Community Benefit Fund later in the process, recognising the role of local communities in hosting this critical grid infrastructure,” Mahon added.

To ensure that the voices of local communities are listened to, EirGrid will also establish a Community Forum for the Fingal to East Meath Grid Reinforcement Project.

The forum will be chaired by an independent facilitator and will provide for open dialogue between the project team and stakeholders interested in the project.

For more information, and to express your interest in joining the community forum for this project, visit www.eirgrid.ie/fingaleastmeath.