EirGrid are pleased to announce that An Bord Pleanála have granted planning permission for the East Meath North Dublin Grid Upgrade Project (Capital Project 1021)

This project will significantly help to meet the growing demand for electricity in the east of the country. In East Meath and North Dublin, there is increased electricity demand in the area  due to economic development and population growth. In addition, when complete, this upgrade will help make the grid more renewable ready, helping to achieve Ireland’s climate action targets of 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources, in line with Government targets. Further development of renewable energy generation will increase Ireland’s energy independence, reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation.

We would like to extend our thanks to all the local communities for their engagement and patience, over the years, as we progressed the project.

Information on the project is available here: www.eirgrid.ie/eastmeathnorthdublin

A copy of the press statement is given below.

EirGrid welcomes East Meath – North Dublin project planning permission

11 February – EirGrid, operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, has secured planning permission for the East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade.

The decision, by An Bord Pleanála, comes following an extensive period of consultation and engagement with communities and stakeholders in the project area.

The critical infrastructure project will involve a high-capacity 400kV underground electricity cable between Woodland substation, near Batterstown in Co Meath, to Belcamp substation, near Clonshaugh in north Dublin.

This upgrade will strengthen the electricity grid in the east of Meath and the north of Dublin to improve the transfer of power across the existing transmission network. This work will help meet increased electricity demand in the region, supporting business growth, housing and the electrification of heat and transport.

Along with this, the upgrade will also help make the grid renewable ready, assisting in achieving 80% of our electricity being generated from renewable sources.

EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: “We welcome the planning approval by An Bord Pleanála, subject to conditions, for this key infrastructure project. This project will help to support a growing population and ensure businesses can prosper and grow, supported by a more resilient grid.

“I would like to thank the East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade Community Forum for their invaluable input in helping to ensure stakeholders and community views are voiced and understood. We look forward to continuing to engage with the community forum and communities in the region as we progress this project,” added Mahon.

Anthony Cooney, Chief Executive of Fingal Chamber said: “Improved infrastructure is key to ensuring that our local communities and economy can thrive. The development of this project by EirGrid is central to this. In addition to ensuring a reliable electricity supply in the area, the upgrade will also support economic development and help meet the demand of a growing population.”

For more information on the project, www.eirgrid.ie/eastmeathnorthdublin