EirGrid selects underground cable option for North Connacht 100kV project, councillor reveals

EirGrid has selected an underground cable option for the North Connacht 110 kV project, a Mayo elected representative has stated.

In a statement tonight, Ballina Independent Councillor Mark Duffy outlined: "The new electricity development will run from the Moy substation in Ballina to Ballaghaderreen substation.

"Further consultations will continue on this option with the intention of going to planning later this year.

"I welcome the decision of EirGrid for choosing the underground route for this important piece of infrastructure and compliment the community groups who have engaged with the process so far."

In a statement, the company EirGrid confirmed it selected an underground cable option for the North Connacht 110 kV project, a new electricity development that runs from Ballina in Mayo to Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon.

Following technical assessments and extensive local engagement, the project team has selected Corridor 2 from a shortlist of overhead and underground corridor options that were put forward for public consultation last year.

Corridor 2 runs from Moy substation near Ballina along the west of the study area, passing Swinford before reaching Tonroe substation near Ballaghaderreen.

The EirGrid project team evaluated four overhead line and three underground cable routes within a study area that stretched from Foxford in the west to Tubercurry in the east; and Ballina in the north to Ballaghaderreen in the south.

EirGrid spokesperson David Martin said: “Over the next few months, we will continue our analysis, undertake on-the-ground surveys and engage with local landowners and stakeholders to establish a specific cable route within that corridor. Once a route has been identified we will carry this forward to the planning process as the best performing option.”

The project team has identified some challenges with routing the underground cable through or around Ballina, Swinford, and Ballaghaderreen, and crossing the River Moy, each of which will require additional assessments.

Incorporating a section of corridor 1 between Foxford and Ballina, in order to reduce disruption in Ballina, will also be considered.

Mr. Martin added: “We ask all stakeholders to work with us to help deliver the North Connacht 110 kV project.

"When complete, it will help secure the supply of electricity in the area, supply the power and infrastructure industry seeks when setting up in any area, and aid Ireland’s attempts to meet our climate change targets.”