EirGrid launching €4.6 million community benefit fund for Kildare and Meath project

As part of its work progressing the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade, EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, will be launching a community benefit fund in Kildare and Meath. 

The fund, which has a total value of €4,610,000, will be released in three phases - when construction begins, mid-way through the project, and when the project is energised.

The Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade will help meet growing energy demand in the region due to increased economic development and population growth. The project will add a high-capacity 400 kV underground electricity connection between Dunstown substation in Kildare and Woodland substation in Meath. 

Planning permission was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) in March 2025. 

EirGrid’s community benefit funds support a range of projects in local areas focusing on sustainability, community and biodiversity. The fund and the projects they support leave behind a positive legacy in local communities long after the projects have been completed.

EirGrid will be hosting a number of information workshops and drop-in events over the coming weeks in Kilcock, Naas, Clane and Batterstown, so that local groups and organisations can learn more about the fund from project management partner, M-CO.

The workshops are an opportunity for community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Kildare and Meath to find out more about how the community benefit fund will work and the opportunities it can bring.

Speaking about the launch of the fund, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said: “The Kildare-Meath Community Benefit Fund recognises the role of local communities in Kildare and Meath in helping us to deliver this critical infrastructure project. 

“The fund also recognises the value that we place on engaging with those communities who support and live alongside these critical infrastructure projects. We are grateful for all the support that we have received to date, including from the representatives on our community forum.

“I would encourage everyone to come along to the workshops, and EirGrid staff will also be on hand to answer any queries relating to the project and to support you with your plans.” 

Workshops will be held: