Advanced works to commence in Mayo for critical electricity project

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, has welcomed plans to commence advanced works on a section of the North Connacht 110 kV Project in Swinford Town.

The project, which has been undertaken by ESB Network, received planning permission last year. Official construction of the project is not due to begin until late 2025, however, advanced works are set to commence next month.

The installation of 900m road cable ducting in Swinford is set to commence on August 12 prior to scheduled road resurfacing works by Mayo County Council.

Speaking ahead of the works, Michael Mahon, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer, said the project is ‘one step closer to achieving a more resilient and efficient energy system’.

“Not only will it contribute towards meeting the nation’s climate action goals, it will also provide electricity capacity to meet increasing demand, supporting economic growth in the area,” he added.

This collaborative approach will avoid the road being re-excavated when official construction of the project begins next year, minimising disruption to the community.

The works, which are expected to be completed within eight to ten weeks, will begin on Davitt Place near Market Street, with 100m of ducting planned to be completed before schools reopen.

The remaining 800m of works will then take place on the remainder of Davitt Place and Kilkelly Road.

Single lane closures will be in place, but all lanes of traffic will reopen outside of working hours.

The North Connacht 110kV Project will add a new 110kV underground cable circuit between Ballina and Ballaghaderreen in county Roscommon.

With planning approved, the development will ultimately strengthen the grid across Connacht.

Mr Mahon continued: “None of this is possible without the support of local communities. It is vital that we engage with communities at the earliest stage of project development, to ensure that their concerns and views are considered.”

“We would like to thank Mayo County Council for its engagement, which has allowed these works to be completed in parallel and minimise disruption to the public,” he concluded.