Mayo at the forefront of Ireland’s energy transition with new EirGrid 5-year plan
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New Eirgrid strategy to give every home and business access to secure, clean and affordable electricity
Mayo is set to play a central role in Ireland’s energy transition after EirGrid unveiled its new five-year strategy, which includes the North Connacht 110kV Project among 29 priority infrastructure projects designed to modernise the country’s electricity grid.
Launched today (Tuesday, July 14), EirGrid’s Group Strategy 2026 outlines plans to deliver an €18.9 billion investment programme in the national electricity transmission network by 2030, supporting Ireland’s transition to secure, clean and affordable energy.
A key part of the strategy is the North Connacht 110kV Project, which will see the construction of a new underground electricity cable linking Ballina, Co. Mayo, and Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.
Construction on the project recently got underway through EirGrid’s delivery partner, ESB. Once completed, the North Connacht 110kV will increase electricity capacity across the region and provide enough power for approximately 150,000 homes.
Launching the strategy, EirGrid Chief Executive Cathal Marley said Mayo is at the forefront of Ireland’s changing energy landscape.
“We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland and for Mayo,” he said. “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,” he added.
He also said that EirGrid’s ambition is to build and operate a grid capable of powering Ireland’s future while supporting long-term economic and social development in communities across Mayo.
"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 centred on four priorities: maintaining a secure electricity supply, expanding grid infrastructure to support growth, enabling higher levels of renewable energy, and developing offshore wind and international electricity interconnection.
To deliver the programme, EirGrid plans to continue expanding its workforce. The organisation has grown from around 500 employees to 1,500 over the past five years and expects to employ more than 2,000 people during the lifetime of the strategy.
EirGrid also said community engagement will remain a key focus as major infrastructure projects, including the North Connacht 110kV development, progress across Mayo and the wider West.
Marley said the company would continue working closely with government, regulators, industry and local communities to deliver the investment programme while supporting Ireland’s climate goals and creating new economic opportunities.