Sligo man helping shape Ireland’s energy future appointed to key role with EirGrid

A Sligo native, who is playing a role in building Ireland’s energy future, has been appointed Director of Grid Network Delivery at EirGrid.

Prior to this appointment, Thomas Foody, from Enniscrone, was Head of Connection Projects (Southern Region) at EirGrid.

As Ireland accelerates its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, Thomas is among those helping to shape a future where secure, sustainable and affordable electricity powers homes, businesses and communities across the country.

A Chartered Electrical Engineer, Thomas holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University College Cork, a Master’s degree in Project Management, and a master’s in management from the Smurfit Business School.

Prior to joining EirGrid, he held senior delivery roles with ESB Networks and ESB Engineering & Major Projects, leading the successful delivery of complex transmission and distribution infrastructure programmes.

Since joining EirGrid in 2025, he has led the delivery of the organisation’s Southern Region customer connection portfolio and has overseen the establishment of EirGrid’s Infrastructure Delivery Office in Cork, strengthening the organisation’s capability to deliver critical infrastructure projects across the region.

Speaking of his appointment, Thomas said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Director of Grid Networks Delivery at EirGrid during a period of unprecedented investment in Ireland’s transmission network. 

“I look forward to working with our industry partners, local communities and key stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of a resilient electricity network, one that supports Ireland’s continued economic growth, enables the electrification of society, and advances our transition to a clean, renewable future.”

This announcement comes as EirGrid recently launched its Group Strategy 2026, setting out an ambitious roadmap to transform Ireland’s electricity grid for a future where every home business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity. 

The strategy outlines how EirGrid will deliver the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system, to transform the economy and society through electrification. 

Following an allocation of €18.9 billion by Government and the regulator, for investment in the electricity grid and network, EirGrid will deliver an ambitious programme of work over the strategy period to 2030, with a clear focus on building grid infrastructure at pace and at scale.

One of the key enablers to deliver the new strategy which Thomas will be working on is “Building the Backbone: A Grid that Enables Growth”. This reflects the work being done to strengthen and expand the grid to support Ireland’s future energy needs.

Commenting on the delivery of EirGrid’s new Strategy, Thomas said: “I’m delighted to take up this new position in EirGrid at this pivotal time as we deliver on our new five-year strategy". 

“Developing new infrastructure, enhancing existing assets, and enabling the connection of new demand and generation across the country is key to ensuring we can continue to provide a secure, reliable energy supply to businesses and communities.”