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 Hynestown, as well as associated circuits linking the new stations to each other and to existing stations in Maynooth, Inchicore and Carrickmines.

May 2026

Kidare Dublin Grid Reinforcement - Steelstown to Carrickmines Circuit Technology Consultation

The existing electricity infrastructure in the East Kildare and South Dublin area 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. 

The proposed works included are: 

When we upgrade the grid, we consider various technologies to create suitable options. This includes whether an overhead line or an underground cable is right for a particular project.

EirGrid is now holding a public consultation to seek feedback on the available technology options for a new circuit required to connect the proposed Steelstown substation to the existing substation at Carrickmines.

We would like to hear your views on the potential technology options. Your feedback, along with further assessments, surveys, and stakeholder engagement, will help us to decide which technology options to bring forward to the next step.

The public consultation will take place from 12 May to 10 July.

All of the project details, including detailed reports and a downloadable version of this document are available to view and download below.

Visit our online consultation portal and make a submission here

The deadline for submissions is 10 July 2026

Information Events 

Visit one of our face-to-face public information events being held at the following locations across the proposed routes to find out more and speak to the team.

Date & Time                     Venue

Wed 3 June 12-8pm        Ballyboden Wanderers GAA Club, Frank Kelly Park, Mount Venus Rd, Cruagh, Dublin

Thu 4 June 12-8pm         Rathcoole Community Centre, Main St, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin

Wed 10 June 12-8pm      Thomas Davis GAA Club, Kiltipper Rd, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 VE22

Thu 11 June 12-8pm        Samuel Beckett Civic Campus, Ballyogan Ct, Ballyogan, Dublin 18, D18 HT72

April 2026

Following the public consultation held in June 2025, EirGrid has determined the best performing technology option for the two proposed new substations is Gas Insultation Switchgear (GIS). 

Once built, the two required substations will need to be connected to the grid by high voltage electric circuits.  EirGrid undertook a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) on the best technology for the following circuits: 

Following these assessments, EirGrid will proceed with underground cables for both options. You can read more about how this was determined in the below reports, and what it means for your area in our information brochure. 

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.