Minister Timmy Dooley launches EirGrid’s Corporate Strategy in Cork

Minister Timmy Dooley has today launched EirGrid Group’s Corporate Strategy 2026 in Cork, setting out a clear roadmap to deliver a secure, clean and affordable electricity system while supporting Ireland’s economic growth and transition to a low-carbon future.

Cork and the southern region will play a central role in the delivery of the new strategy, with EirGrid progressing a number of strategic projects of national importance in the area, while continuing to expand its office and grow its workforce in the region. 

The strategy marks a significant milestone as Ireland’s energy transition accelerates, alongside rising electricity demand and increasing system complexity.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries and at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy with special responsibility for the Marine, said: "EirGrid Group’s Corporate Strategy 2026 is a vital step in delivering Ireland’s energy transition. Working in partnership with Government, this strategy will support a record €18.9 billion investment in strengthening and expanding our electricity grid. Cork and the southern region are key in this and it’s positive to see continued progress on offshore wind and the Celtic Interconnector. 

"This will ensure we can meet growing demand, integrate renewable energy and maintain a secure and resilient electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and regional development."

At its core, the strategy is focused on “powering up” Ireland’s electricity grid to meet future needs, balancing the operation of today’s system with the development of the grid of tomorrow.

Speaking about the new strategy, Chairman of EirGrid’s Board, Brendan Tuohy, said: “Electricity is no longer simply one part of the economy, it is becoming the foundation of society, and this strategy sets out how EirGrid will play its part."

The strategy is built around four key pillars:

Highlighting the significance of the work ahead, Cathal Marley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said: "Our purpose as outlined in this strategy is powering up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future. This means ensuring a secure and resilient electricity system balancing supply and demand in a complex and fast-changing environment, while managing the transition to a future where every home, business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity. 

"All of this will require an unprecedented programme of grid upgrades, reinforcements and new infrastructure right across the country so that clean electricity produced from renewables can be reliably brought to where it’s needed."

The strategy outlines a major programme of grid reinforcement and expansion across the country, ensuring renewable electricity can be transported efficiently to where it is needed. In the southern region, flagship projects such as the Celtic Interconnector and the Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme exemplify how EirGrid is already delivering on its strategic priorities.

The Celtic Interconnector, a 575km subsea cable linking Ireland with France via east Cork, which is being developed alongside Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTÉ), the French transmission system operator, is one of the longest interconnection projects in Europe, and will significantly enhance Ireland’s energy security and enable electricity exchange with continental Europe. At the same time, investment in offshore transmission infrastructure will support the connection of large-scale offshore wind along the south and east coasts.

These developments will drive economic activity in the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting competitiveness and supporting regional growth.
A key feature of the strategy is EirGrid’s expanded role in offshore transmission, reflecting Ireland’s ambition to harness its offshore wind potential. 

Building towards the goal of eighty percent of our electricity coming from renewable sources in the coming years, as set out by Government, the grid must connect 9 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind.

The strategy emphasises the importance of people, digital innovation, strong financial foundations and meaningful customer and stakeholder engagement as key enablers of that delivery. These will support EirGrid in managing the scale and complexity of the energy transition and delivering balanced economic growth for Ireland.

Marley added: "Cork and the wider southern region are central to delivering Ireland’s energy transition. Our presence here allows us to work closely with Government, regulators, local communities, industry and research institutions, ensuring we build infrastructure that meets both national objectives and regional needs."