North Connacht 110kV Project to power 150,000 homes from 2028
The North Connacht 110kV Project will create enough energy to power 150,000 homes, with the new line due to be energised in 2028.
The 59km underground cable, running from the Moy substation in Ballina to the Tonroe substation in Ballaghaderreen, and once installed it will bring half a gigawatt of energy onto the system.
This will significantly improve the ability to import and use energy locally, while also allowing for energy produced in the area to be exported.
North Connacht produces a substantial amount of renewable energy, with the Oweninny and Bellacorick Wind Farm’s producing large amounts of onshore wind energy in Mayo.
The electricity grid can't manage the current flow of energy.
The North Connacht 110kV line will ensure that power can be transmitted in and out of the area efficiently, and will provide the additional capacity needed to power the region.
The November Meeting of the Ballina Municipal District heard the latest update on the project from two EirGrid representatives.
Phase one of the upgrade to the Tonroe substation was completed this year, with phase two due to start in 2026.
An upgrade of the existing 110kV overhead line between the Tonroe and Flagford substations in Roscommon is also progressing, 20km of the 32km route has been upgraded, with the remaining 12km scheduled for completion next year.
Both phase one and phase two of the Moy substation upgrade will start in 2026.
The engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 59km underground cable has been awarded, and construction will start in January 2026.
The project has earnt widespread praise for its engagement with the community throughout the process. In Mayo, the cable will affect 37 private landowners.
A €1.53m Community Benefit Fund will open this year, and a community fund administrator will oversee the process.
€510,000 will be available in the first allocation, followed by two more rounds of €510,000 in 2027 and 2028.
Cllr John O'Hara praised EirGrid for their engagement with landowners, and noted that having positive and productive relationships with the community was essential for projects like this to succeed.
"A lot of people don't realise, this is like putting a motorway into a town. The line brings electricity both ways, so if you have infrastructure in town and you [currently] have no proper electricity, [now] you will be able to get it," he said.
"This is about making our town a better town. Never was [this project] more needed, for all the electric cars, data centres and everything. To live in the modern age, we need it," Cllr O'Hara added.
Head engineer for the Ballina Municipal District, Orla Burke, also welcomed the extensive engagement from EirGrid.
"There will be major disruptions, and there will be a major impact in the town when the project is being delivered, but that will all go through the normal application processes for road closures,
"We welcome the project, it is bringing power in and out," she added.
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly asked when the additional capacity would come on stream and was told that it would be available as soon as the line is energised in 2028.
The meeting also heard that numerous wind farms and private generators are already looking to connect to the line once capacity becomes available.
It is the first underground cable to be installed in the west of Ireland, it will connect to renewable energy sources and help to achieve Ireland's climate targets.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.