Powering Up Wicklow
Powering Up Ireland
Project Overview
Powering Up Wicklow is a critical programme that will strengthen key electricity infrastructure in Wicklow and the surrounding areas.
The existing electricity infrastructure in the Wicklow area 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 help to make Ireland ‘renewable ready’.
What's happening now?
EirGrid is currently progressing its Powering Up Wicklow programme.
Currently the programme consists of 13 projects overall, with the individual projects at different stages in the process.
Key reinforcement projects include:
Arklow - Ballybeg - Carrickmines 110 kV Capacity Needs
- The project will upvoltage an existing 110 kV circuit to 220 kV and construct a new 220/110 kV substation in the vicinity of the existing Ballybeg substation. The project will provide increased capacity for the region and mitigate against any unplanned outages on the grid in the south-east.
- The project is currently in Step 4 of EirGrid’s Framework for Grid Development, seeking to identify a suitable site for construction of the 220/110kV substation.
Arklow 220 kv Station Redevelopment
- The existing substation in Arklow is reaching its end of life and needs to be replaced. A Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation has been identified as the best solution to address the region’s growing electricity demand. This substation replacement will support residential and commercial developments, electrification of heat and transport systems and facilitate increased renewables on the grid in the region.
- The project is currently in Step 5 of EirGrid’s Framework for Grid Development – with planning permission to be sought shortly.
North Wicklow Reinforcement
- The project will seek to construct a new 220/110 kV substation in the Delgany/Greystones region, as well as a 110/38 kV/MV substation closer to Greystones town. The project will reinforce the grid to ensure sufficient capacity is available for future increase demand from residential and commercial developments, as well as electrification of the heating and transport network.
- The project is currently in Step 3 of EirGrid’s Framework for Grid Development, looking to establish the best technology option to fulfil the need and approximate areas that may be suitable.
Arklow – Ballybeg – Carrickmines Refurbishment
- The double circuit from Arklow to Carrickmines is a critical piece of infrastructure, supplying power to the south-east region for over 40 years. To ensure its continued, uninterrupted operation, refurbishment works are needed on the structures that carry the overhead lines.
- The project recently received Capital Approval as part of EirGrid’s Framework for Grid Development and will now go into a detailed scoping phase.
Maynooth - Turlough Hill 220 kV line refurbishment
- The project will refurbish the overhead line section of the circuit which has been operating since the mid-1970s. It will also replace the section of underground fluid filled cable (FFC) to a modern equivalent near Turlough Hill Substation.
- The project has recently received planning grant notification from Wicklow County Council and will progress through detailed scoping over the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
Liz Dillon
Community Liaison Officer
E-mail: liz.dillon@eirgrid.com
Telephone: +353 87 188 7982