August 12 start date for advanced east Mayo works on Connacht 110 kV project

EirGrid has welcomed plans to commence advanced works on a section of the North Connacht 110 kV project in Swinford town.

Official construction of the project, which received planning permission last year, and will be undertaken by ESB Networks, is not due to begin until late 2025.

However, advanced work to install 900m of road cable ducting in Swinford is set to commence on August 12, prior to scheduled road resurfacing works by Mayo County Council.

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 8-10 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.

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

Speaking ahead of the commencement of works, Michael Mahon, EirGrid chief infrastructure officer, said: “This project will bring us 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.

“However, 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.”