Eirgrid reveal Meath Dublin upgrade route

The final route for the East Meath-North Dublin electricity grid upgrade, has been announced by Eirgrid.

The upgrade will see a high-capacity, 400 kV underground connection built between Woodland substation, near Batterstown and Belcamp substation near Clonshaugh.

The route is a refinement of a route chosen earlier this year, which crosses the River Tolka, the railway at M3 Parkway, along with the M1, M2 and M3 motorways. The proposed route has an overall length of approximately 38 kilometres, with an off-road section of approximately 11 kilometres.

According to Eirgrid these works are needed to strengthen the grid in order to cater for increased electricity demand in the region, due to economic development and population growth. They will also assist in reducing the use of, and reliance upon, fossil fuels for power generation.

“After a thorough engagement process with local communities and stakeholders, we have established the optimal route for this critical infrastructure", said Eirgrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon.

"Not only does the grid upgrade pave the way for societal and economic development in these regions, it will also facilitate further development of renewable energy generation, onshore and offshore, and assist in achieving the target of 80 per cent of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030.”

Following this identification of a final route for the project, a planning application will be submitted. If planning permission is secured, the project will move into the construction phase, which ESB Networks will be responsible for.