EirGrid launches public consultation on offshore grid infrastructure for Ireland's south coast

15 September 2026 - EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, has launched the latest phase of public consultation for the Powering Up Offshore - South Coast programme, seeking feedback on emerging best performing options for the infrastructure needed to connect future offshore wind generation to the national grid.

The 12-week consultation, running from 15 September to 8 December, presents potential landfall zones, offshore transmission cable corridors, offshore substation zones, grid connection subzones and onshore transmission cable route corridors in counties Cork and Wexford.

The project is now in Step 4 of EirGrid’s six-step approach to grid development, where options are brought forward for public consultation and stakeholder consideration. Feedback received through this consultation, alongside ongoing technical and environmental assessments, will help shape the next stage of project development.

Powering Up Offshore - South Coast is EirGrid's programme to build the new transmission grid infrastructure required to bring electricity generated by offshore wind farms into Ireland's national grid. The consultation focuses on the new electricity infrastructure needed to connect Tonn Nua, the first maritime area detailed in Government’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy.

Once delivered, the infrastructure for Tonn Nua will support the connection of approximately 900 megawatts of offshore renewable energy, enough to power almost one million homes and support Ireland's longer-term climate and renewable energy ambitions.

Commenting on the launch, Sinéad Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid, said, "This consultation is an important milestone in the development of the Powering Up Offshore - South Coast programme. The emerging best performing options we are presenting have been informed by extensive technical and environmental studies and engagement with stakeholders, and we now want to hear directly from communities and interested parties on these proposals.

“Local knowledge and stakeholder feedback play a vital role in helping us make informed decisions, and we encourage everyone with an interest in the project to attend our information events and share their views."

Submissions can be made online or by post, and a series of in-person and online information events will take place throughout the project area. These events will provide an opportunity for communities, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to meet the project team, learn more about the project and share their views.

Community Liaison Officers are also available to answer questions and engage with landowners, residents and other stakeholders at any stage of the process.