Mayo at the forefront of Ireland’s energy transition

EirGrid launches new five-year strategy to transform Ireland’s electricity grid

EirGrid has launched its Group Strategy 2026, setting out an ambitious roadmap to transform Ireland’s electricity grid for a future where every home business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity.

EirGrid is responsible for operating the electricity transmission system securely and reliably, while planning and delivering the grid of tomorrow.

The strategy outlines how EirGrid will transform society through electrification by delivering the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system.

Following regulatory approval of an €18.9 billion programme of investment to strengthen the electricity grid over the strategy period to 2030, a clear focus has been placed on building grid infrastructure at pace and at scale.

As part of the strategy, EirGrid has identified 29 priority projects to meet growing electricity demand, including the North Connacht 110kV Project.

This project will see the delivery of a new 110kV underground cable circuit on the transmission grid, travelling between Ballina and Ballaghaderreen.

EirGrid recently reached a significant milestone in the project, with our delivery partners ESB Networks starting construction.

Once delivered, the project will increase grid capacity to meet customer demands for electricity in the region, providing enough electricity to power 150,000 homes.

Speaking about the strategy, Cathal Marley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said: “We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland and for Mayo.

"While electricity demand is increasing at pace due to population and economic growth and the electrification of society, there is huge growth in renewable generation.

"A modern fit-for-purpose grid opens the country up to more possibilities. And the North Connacht 110kV project will support the development of the grid of the future, one that supports regional development, housing and economic growth.

"Our ambition is clear, to build and operate a grid that can power Ireland’s future. By delivering infrastructure at pace and at scale, we are not only supporting the energy transition, we are also supporting long-term social and economic progress in communities across Mayo.”

The strategy is built around four key pillars:

Keeping Ireland Powered – ensuring a safe, secure and resilient electricity system every minute of every day.

Building the Backbone. A Grid for Growth – delivering grid infrastructure at pace and at scale to support balanced growth and create the conditions for a low-carbon future.

Transforming for Clean Energy – enabling much higher levels of renewable electricity and a more flexible power system.

Unlocking New Frontiers. Offshore and Interconnection – advancing offshore wind and interconnection to strengthen Ireland’s long-term energy independence.

To deliver the strategy, EirGrid will significantly expand its workforce to deliver major infrastructure programmes across the country.

Over the past five years, EirGrid has grown from a workforce of 500 to 1,500 and over the period of the strategy that will reach over 2,000 to facilitate and drive growth.

Along with building capacity, strong emphasis has been put on collaboration in the development of the strategy, including meaningful collaboration with local communities in Mayo as the North Connacht 110kV project progresses.

Marley added: “Over the next five years, EirGrid will work closely with Government, regulators, industry and communities to deliver an unprecedented level of investment in energy infrastructure, supporting national climate targets, while unlocking economic opportunity across the country.”