Planning application for EirGrid's North Connacht 110 kV project

A PLANNING application for EirGrid's north Connacht 110 kV project is due to be submitted next month.

The underground cable route runs for 60 kilometres from Ballina to Ballaghaderreen and it is hoped construction will commence before the end of 2023.

The project has a three-year construction period, Jason Kenna, project manager, told the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council.

EirGrid was thanked by members for the levels of consultation that have taken place with communities along the route, which travels along the N5 and N26 and a local road. There will also be a number of crossings of the Moy, with boring under the river to put the cable through.

Swinford is the only town it passes through, with a route via Kilkelly Road, Davitt Place, Station Road and Circular Road proposed.

On that part, cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Smyth said he wanted to see a lasting legacy for the town and would have a serious issue if agreement wasn't reached pre-planning. That legacy wasn't 'purple book standard' of road reinstatement.

A previous Grid West proposal was for a 400kV project and councillors asked if the 100 kV line will provide enough capacity, with plans for a data centre at the former Asahi site in Killala and numerous windfarm developments in north Mayo.

Councillor Mark Duffy suggested a solution was to create energy locally and use it locally, as opposed to exporting it out of the county. A query from Councillor Neil Cruise asked if EirGrid are looking at setting up local grids in Mayo.

Noting the profits generated by windfarms, Councillor Michael Loftus wondered if Mayo County Council should consider getting their own windfarm.

Councillor Gerry Coyle said the people of Erris want to be exporting energy, not people, and they have to get the benefits back for the people.