EirGrid shares update on critical electricity grid upgrade in Fingal and East Meath

EirGrid, operator and developer of the electricity grid, has shared an update on plans for a critical electricity grid upgrade to improve the power system in the Fingal and East Meath region.

The Fingal to East Meath Grid Reinforcement Project will see improved energy infrastructure in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

It will involve the development of a new transmission interface substation to the west of Swords, which will be linked to a substation in the East Meath area.

This will allow power to be taken from the transmission system and distributed to homes, schools and businesses in the north county Dublin and east Meath regions.

Key to this project is the development of the new Ward 400 kV Substation in the Fingal area, to the west of Swords, and future connecting circuits.

EirGrid is now informing the public that a site has been identified as the best performing option for this proposed substation and will hold public information events for those who would like to learn more about this update.

In late 2024, EirGrid held a five-week-long public consultation to discuss the grid enhancement project with local communities and businesses, and to get their feedback on the initial plans.

After assessing the various options based on this feedback and environmental, economic, and technical factors, Zone 1 (see attached map) was identified as the most appropriate zone for the proposed substation.

Within this zone, a number of sites were identified as potentially suitable to host this vital infrastructure. Further engagement, a comprehensive Multi-Criteria Assessment process, site investigations and surveys has resulted in the identification of Site E as the best performing option for the construction of the Ward 400 kV Substation.

“With demand for electricity growing in this area, this project is critical in ensuring we can continue to provide a reliable energy supply to homes, schools and businesses in the region,” EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Siobhán O’Shea, said.

“At EirGrid, we recognise how important local insight and feedback is when it comes to planning out infrastructure projects, so I would like to thank everyone who has engaged with us so far on plans for the Fingal to East Meath Grid Reinforcement Project.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to find out more about the latest development in this project to attend our online webinar or one of the public information events.”

As this project progresses, EirGrid will continue to seek local input on the project’s design and will also consult with the community and stakeholders on any future proposed circuits and route corridors to the Ward 400 kV substation.

For more information, and to express your interest in joining the community forum for this project, visit www.eirgrid.ie/fingaleastmeath.