Powering a greener future – how to have your say on the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project

A greener future for Ireland begins with local voices. As plans are announced for a new infrastructure project that will bring more renewable energy onto the electricity grid, communities are being encouraged to have their say in shaping this transition.

As much as stakeholders and governments need to drive the policies and procedures to meet climate goals, communities are also being invited to play a central role in reaching these ambitions.

Upgrading the national grid

EirGrid develops, manages, and operates the national electricity grid in Ireland. As part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, EirGrid is working to decarbonise the grid to reach the target of 80pc of Ireland’s electricity coming from renewable sources.

To achieve this, critical infrastructure projects are taking place across the country to reinforce the grid. One of these projects is the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project.

“We at EirGrid are progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever taken on the transmission system in Ireland,” Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, explained.

“Delivering a reliable, renewable-led energy system will not only allow us to move closer to reaching our climate ambitions, but it will also allow us to continue to deliver a secure electricity supply.”

Currently, the existing infrastructure in the regions of Kildare and South West Dublin is at risk of reaching capacity and will not be capable of meeting future energy needs. To address this, new infrastructure is required to supply the projected demand growth in this area, which is driven by several factors, such as residential housing, commercial and industrial development, and the electrification of heat and transportation.

“The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project will improve electricity capacity in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, supporting local growth in housing, transportation and employment, while also helping the country reach its renewable energy targets,” Sinead said.

The project will include a new 400/220/110kV substation near the South Dublin/East Kildare border at Steelstown and a new 220/110kV substation near Castlebaggot, as well as associated cables linking the new stations to Maynooth, Inchicore and Carrickmines substations.

The need for local voices

EirGrid enables communities to share their thoughts and play an active role in shaping how this infrastructure is delivered. Local input helps ensure that energy solutions are not only technically sound but socially responsive. Public consultations like this one are essential in identifying local issues, preserving important community assets and fostering trust in the planning process.

Until June 27th, EirGrid is holding a six-week public consultation on this project, giving people across the Kildare-Dublin region a chance to be heard. Submissions can be made online or by post, and public information events will also be held in-person to allow those interested to speak to EirGrid representatives and learn more about the proposals.

This first phase of consultation will look to determine the best performing zones for where the substations will be located, as well as consulting on the best technology option for these substations.

“At EirGrid, we are committed to putting communities at the centre of our projects and we want to hear from local stakeholders to help us gather crucial local knowledge and ensure that all questions and voices are heard,” Sinead said.

“This feedback, alongside technical studies being carried out by EirGrid, will help guide how we move forward with this project in a way that works best for everyone.”

Community engagement and benefits

EirGrid also drives public engagement through community forums and a community benefit fund in project areas. The Community Forums allow representatives to raise concerns, share local priorities, and contribute to discussions on how best to integrate the infrastructure with local needs.

EirGrid aims to create as little disturbance as possible, but sometimes communities closest to the construction may be impacted. For this reason, a dedicated fund is established to provide direct benefits to those communities. These funds have previously supported many local initiatives, including school IT upgrades, biodiversity projects and energy-efficiency improvements for community buildings. The aim is to support and help communities enhance their area and provide the opportunity for each community to become, or remain, a sustainable energy community.

Have your say in Ireland’s renewable energy future

Shaping Ireland’s renewable future starts with local voices, and the earlier communities get involved in the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project, the more meaningful their input can be.

With EirGrid’s public consultation and community engagement initiatives, communities have a real chance to contribute to building a cleaner, more sustainable energy system for Ireland, not just today, but for generations to come.

To learn more and have your say, visit eirgrid.ie/kildaredublin.