Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project

The existing electricity infrastructure in the regions of east Kildare and South West Dublin is at risk of reaching its capacity limit.

To address this need, new infrastructure is required to ensure a reliable, sustainable electricity supply to communities, residents, schools and businesses. 

It will also contribute to reaching the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets for 80% of our electricity to come from renewable sources.

The project will include a new 400/220/110 kV substation near the South Dublin/East Kildare border at Steelstown and a new 220/110 kV substation near Castlebaggot, as well as associated circuits linking the new stations to each other and to existing stations in Maynooth, Inchicore and Carrickmines.

Until Friday 27 June, EirGrid is holding a public consultation campaign on the first phase of the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project. 

This phase of the campaign will help determine the best performing zones for where these substations will be located. It will also help determine the best technology options for these substations.

The feedback collected from stakeholders and members of the public will be considered alongside technical studies carried out by EirGrid to determine how this project moves forward.

You can have your say by making a submission.

Submissions can be made through a feedback form at one of our in-person events, via post at the address below, via email to KildareDublin@eirgrid.com, or through the consultation portal at the link below.

Throughout the consultation, we are also holding a series of drop-in information events. 

This provides an opportunity for us to present information to you, and for you to speak to members of the project team about any questions you may have.

Local

Helping to meet increasing local transport and housing electrification requirements

Security and reliability of supply

Building a more resilient and reliable electricity grid helps ensure that everyone has power when and where they need it. This upgrade will also enable independence by harnessing greener energy sources.

Meet future needs 

These improvements will also help to meet the growing and changing electricity needs of the area. This includes the electrification of transport systems, vehicles and heating, the requirement of large energy users and the development of housing and offices

Sustainability

Upgrades to the electricity grid will enable the region to use and transmit electricity generated from offshore wind energy. This is a vital step to help Ireland transition to a low-carbon electricity future.

Economic

These critical upgrades will help strengthen Ireland’s economy, encouraging and supporting future investment

Community

Our community benefit policy will directly support local communities in the areas that host the project infrastructure.

The development of this project follows EirGrid’s 6-Step approach to Grid Development (see below) which sets out the steps to be taken to identify and implement the best performing solution that meets the needs outlined.

EirGrid’s Framework for Grid Development is a 6-step process for all EirGrid’s grid development projects, from their conception i.e., identification of a need to develop the electricity transmission grid through to their eventual construction and subsequent energisation.

The graphic below provides an overview of the 6 steps of the Framework Grid Development.

The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project is currently in Step 3. 

The objective of Step 3 is to identify a best performing technology solution and associated study area, to meet the identified need from the shortlist of options identified previously in Step 1 and Step 2.

The Community Benefit Fund is a dedicated fund for new grid development, which is made available to provide direct benefits to communities who are closest to new transmission infrastructure.

These funds are proportional to the scale of the project and aim to leave a positive legacy in the communities hosting grid development. 

EirGrid will be sharing details of the Community Benefit Fund associated with this project later in the process.

EirGrid will establish a Community Forum for the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project. 

The purpose of this forum is to make sure that the voices of the local communities, and those impacted most by our infrastructure, are listened to. 

The forums provide for open dialogue between the project team and stakeholders interested in the project.

To express your interest in getting involved with the community forum, please contact one of our dedicated community liaison officers.