'Significant road closures' expected during construction of Mayo Eirgrid line

Councillors in Ballina were warned that the construction of Eirgrid's North Connacht 110 kV line through north Mayo will result in significant road closures.

Construction on the new 110 kV underground electricity cable from the Moy substation in Ballina, to Tonroe substation in Ballaghaderreen is expected to begin later this spring and due to be completed in 2028.

The project was raised at the January monthly meeting of the Ballina Municipal District where details of the €1.53 million EirGrid North Connacht Community Benefit Fund were given to local councillors.

During the discussion, Bonniconlon-based councillor John O'Hara questioned whether roads outside Ballina would be fully closed during the construction phase. He said that there was concern among people regarding Church Road outside Ballina and if it will be closed and how long disruptions will last.

Senior engineer, Orla Bourke replied that details of road closures will be advertised before they happen but warned that road closures will be unavoidable and may be long.

“It is not finalised but there will be significant road closures for possibly months and for a long duration.

“There have been workshops over the last two years about this to try to minimise the impact and ensure the works are done as efficiently as possible. They have skilled crews but road closures are unavoidable. There has been a lot of engagement to date and the road closures will have to go through the statutory process with advertising,” she said.

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Phase one of the EirGrid North Connacht Community Benefit Fund was recently launched which will see a fund of €612,000 available for community groups located within 2km of the line.

Declan Turnbull, Head of the Ballina Municipal District said the closing date for applications is March 13 and an information session will take place in the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina on February 25.

The fund is open to community groups, not for profit groups and social enterprises and the minimum allocation is €1,000 and maximum is €75,000 although exceptional cases will be considered.

Mr Turnbull said that groups in Ballina, Foxford and Knockmore will be available to apply and stressed it will be a great opportunity for groups to get funding and to apply.