Dubliners are to face a “considerable amount of roadworks” for several years when a project to install up to 50km of underground electricity cables gets under way in 2024.
Electricity operator EirGrid plans to embark on a major multi-year upgrade of capital’s electricity grid, which will see the replacement of underground cabling, some of which is up to 50 years old.
Technical studies have identified the need to replace cables linking substations at North Wall and Poolbeg; Finglas and North Wall; Poolbeg and Carrickmines; and two cables linking Inchicore and Poolbeg.
A new connection linking Carrickmines and Inchicore is also required, along with a possible requirement for cables to feed into potential new substations in the north and west of the city.
EirGrid chief executive Mark Foley said the work is necessary to meet renewable energy targets and the increasing power demand in the capital.
"EirGrid needs to meet the growing and changing electricity needs of Dublin. This includes the electrification of transport systems, vehicles, heating and the development of housing, offices and large energy users," he said.
“We also need to accommodate new and clean sources of electricity, such as wind, to help Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
Forum
In an effort to minimise disruption, the "Dublin Infrastructure Forum" involving a number of organisations including ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland, Irish Water and Dublin Bus has been established. However, Mr Foley said the work would inevitably affect residents and businesses.
“We are now looking at options on how we may do this and what areas may be impacted. We know that there will be a considerable amount of roadworks needed to complete the works. We also understand that electricity infrastructure projects like these affect local residents and businesses.”
EirGrid is holding a series of webinars for the general public, community and business community over the coming weeks. From these, a community forum and business forum will be established.
“We will give back to communities as part of our community benefit policy while the works are being carried out. Our support will focus on issues of community, sustainability and biodiversity,” Mr Foley said.
The webinars will take place on May 31st at 7pm for the general public, June 1st at 12.30pm for businesses, and June 2nd at 7pm for community organisations. Details will be available in advance at eirgrid.ie/dublin
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