Mayo input sought on North Connacht 110kV Project community benefit fund
EirGrid is inviting the communities which will host the upcoming North Connacht 110kV Project to have their say in shaping the delivery of the community benefit fund.
The project, which received planning permission last year, will see a new 110kV underground cable circuit between Ballina and Ballaghaderreen.
Recognising the importance of local communities in developing this critical infrastructure, EirGrid has established a €1.53 million community benefit fund to provide direct benefits to community groups and voluntary organisations located or operating within a 2km zone of the proposed cable line.
To ensure that the fund is designed for the local community, by the local community, EirGrid, along with fund administrators SECAD Partnership CLG (SECAD), are inviting local community and voluntary groups, individuals and local stakeholders to take part in a consultation process to give feedback on the needs of the local area.
A survey is now open for submissions until Friday, October 18, and is available online via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthConnachtCBFStrategyConsultation.
Drop-in clinics will also be held in the area to allow those interested to find out more about the fund and to get support in completing the survey.
These in-person sessions will take place as follows:
Tuesday, September 17: 11.30 - 13.30, Mary Robinson Centre, Emmet Street, Ballina; 14.30 - 16.00, Father Peyton Memorial Centre, Attymass; 17.30 - 19.30, Swinford Amenity Park, Kiltimagh Road, Swinford.
Wednesday, September 18: 10.00 - 11.30, Charlestown Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown; 12.30 - 14.30, Community Resource Centre/'The Shambles', Market Street, Ballaghaderreen.
The fund, which is supported by a community forum of local representatives to ensure that the scheme is designed by the local community, will include community, sustainability and biodiversity streams, each of which will be worth €510,000.
It is expected that applications for the fund will open in late 2025.
Welcoming this next step, senior engagement specialist with EirGrid, Avril Wilson, said: “Collaboration with communities and local stakeholders is key to these projects being developed, ensuring a resilient energy future for generations to come.
“It is a priority to us at EirGrid that the community benefit scheme results in long-lasting, positive impacts for those who have supported us.
“As this scheme is designed for the community, by the community, we urge people to have their say to maximise the opportunities this fund can open to them.”
SECAD has been appointed by EirGrid as the grant making organisation to oversee the strategy development, management, administration, and delivery of the fund.
Construction of the North Connacht 110 kV project is expected to begin late next year and will be undertaken by ESB Networks.
The development will ultimately strengthen the grid across Connacht, providing electricity capacity to meet increasing demand, and supporting economic growth in the region.
More information on the North Connacht 110kV project can be found at https://www.eirgrid.ie/community/projects-your-area/north-connacht-110-kv-project.