Power boost for Drogheda with €90m ESB investment

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Drogheda is set for a major boost in electricity supply, with a €90 million investment from the ESB which is set to future-proof access to the network.

The announcement came after months of campaigning by local councillors and Oireachtas members, where concerns have been raised about capacity within the ESB network for new housing developments in Drogheda.

Louth TD Paula Butterly had led calls in the Dáil for assurances around the supply to the greater Drogheda area. In the last week she met with Eoghan Judge ESB NorthEast Regional Manager and Alan Rossiter Head of Strategy and Network Development at ESB Networks.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Butterly said “This was a very productive and positive meeting. I’m delighted that many of the issues I’ve been raising around connection delays and energy capacity are now being constructively addressed.

Crucially, I welcome ESB’s confirmation that they are committing €90 million in investment over the next five years to support the housing needs of Drogheda and future-proof our electricity network for the next 30 years. This is a major boost for the town.”

She added: “ESB officials also reaffirmed their commitment — first made during their appearance at the Oireachtas Housing Committee — that works on the Drybridge substation will be completed within 18 months. ESB management also confirmed that all EBS connection orders are on track and there is currently no backlog.”

“This upgrade is vital,” Deputy Butterly added. “And I’m particularly reassured to hear that there is sufficient capacity to ensure no delays to the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) project — a key piece of infrastructure for unlocking thousands of new homes. We can expect enabling works to begin in the coming weeks. It’s full steam ahead.”

Deputy Butterly credited the progress to ongoing cooperation among all relevant parties, saying the outcome “reflects real partnership” between local authorities, developers, ESB Networks and herself.

The Louth TD said she will “continue to monitor progress closely and ensure Drogheda remains a priority in national infrastructure planning.”