EirGrid launches public consultation to power up North Wicklow

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, is launching a public consultation on the proposed North Wicklow Reinforcement Project.   
The project is part of EirGrid’s ‘Powering Up Wicklow’ programme which will upgrade and strengthen key electricity infrastructure in County Wicklow and the surrounding areas.  
The existing electricity infrastructure in Wicklow is at risk of reaching its capacity limit and the programme will help deliver a consistent and reliable supply of electricity for Wicklow, as well as helping to make Ireland renewable ready.  
The North Wicklow Reinforcement Project will reinforce the grid to ensure sufficient capacity is available for future increased demand from residential and commercial developments, as well as electrification of the heating and transport network.  
The project will seek to construct a new 220 kV substation and a new 110kV substation in the Greystones, Delgany, Kilpedder area, as well as associated cables connecting the two stations.  
In determining the best options for both the routes and the technology to be used, EirGrid carries out extensive research, taking account of factors such as the local landscape, environment and cultural heritage.   
Following a Multi Criteria Assessment, EirGrid has identified two potential zones for the construction of the 220kV substation, and one potential zone for a 110kV substation.   
As part of its commitment to engaging with local communities, and in line with its six-step approach to grid development, EirGrid is holding a public consultation process on the North Wicklow Reinforcement Project.   
The consultation will run from Tuesday 20 October – Friday 11 December and information events will take place in Greystones and Kilcoole.   
Liz Dillon, EirGrid’s Senior Lead Community Liaison Officer for Wicklow said:    
“EirGrid is committed to engaging with and hearing the views of local communities as we work to upgrade and strengthen the electricity grid with the North Wicklow Reinforcement Project.   
“We recognise the role that communities play in supporting our work, as well as the importance and value of local knowledge and insights.   
“I would encourage everyone in the North Wicklow area to get involved in the consultation and to have their say. We look forward to continued engagement with local communities, businesses and other stakeholders in the area in the weeks and months ahead.”   
For more information on the public consultation and how you can get involved, please visit www.eirgrid.ie/wicklow