EirGrid has announced the routes for three high-voltage underground cable circuits for its Powering Up Dublin programme.
Powering Up Dublin will see the replacement of over 50km of high-voltage cables that have been in use for almost half a century, and need upgrading to transform and modernise the city’s electricity supply.
Responding to feedback from communities, businesses and other key stakeholders during consultations and outreach events over the course of the last year, the electricity grid operator has today announced routes for cables linking electricity substations between:
- Finglas and North Wall
- North Wall and Poolbeg
- Poolbeg and Carrickmines.
EirGrid say the route designs reflect a collaborative approach, with other utilities, local authorities and public service providers sharing their expertise and information on the best available options through the Dublin Infrastructure Forum, established by EirGrid as part of the Powering Up Dublin programme.
While much of the cabling will be placed under public roads, the three routes selected make use of substantial off-road sections to help minimise disruption, including:
- Using ducts pre-emptively placed during works on the Royal Canal Greenway, through cooperation with Dublin City Council
- A section passing through Dublin Port Company lands
- A further section through lands at Leopardstown Racecourse, facilitated by Horse Racing Ireland.
A significant portion of the Poolbeg to Carrickmines cable route will also be placed offshore, meaning much of the cabling across the three routes will not require disruption to public roads – a key request EirGrid heard from communities and businesses.
Route selections for a further two cable circuits linking Poolbeg and Inchicore substations are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Due to technical complexities further detailed analysis and surveying of route options is required, and this process is currently in progress.
EirGrid will be hosting a series of information events on the cable routes at venues around Dublin in February.
Powering Up Dublin will also involve the upgrading of electricity substations, and the delivery of a new substation at Poolbeg.
Construction on the cable routes is due to commence from late 2024 to early 2025, with the programme targeted for completion by 2029.
Further details on construction and sequencing will be shared with communities and businesses along each of the routes in advance.
The Powering Up Dublin programme will play a key role in efforts to decarbonise the electricity system by allowing more power to be brought onto the grid from planned renewable energy sources, supporting EirGrid’s ambition of up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity coming from renewables by 2030.
This extra capacity will futureproof the city’s power infrastructure so that it can meet increasing demand from electric vehicles, transport developments and electrical-powered heat pumps over the coming years, in line with climate action targets.
Commenting on the announcement of the best performing cable options announced today, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said: “When we work with stakeholders, communities and businesses, we make better decisions.
“The public consultation gave stakeholders the opportunity to influence the cable routes for Powering Up Dublin, and provided us with invaluable local, specialised information that was integral in determining the most appropriate routes for each cable in each part of Dublin.
“By setting up the Dublin Infrastructure Forum we have been able to work with stakeholders to get infrastructure built that will significantly aid the delivery of these routes, and ultimately lessen disruption for people.
“We’ve also worked alongside stakeholders to establish Community and Business Forums for Powering Up Dublin.
“This collaboration and joined-up thinking has resulted in a better, more efficient cable replacement programme, minimising impacts on traffic, communities, businesses and the environment.
“We thank everyone who has helped to guide our efforts in delivering urgently needed new electricity infrastructure that can help the city develop and grow, while also making a major contribution to society’s journey towards decarbonisation.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with all of these groups as Powering Up Dublin progresses, including for the announcement of a Community Benefit Fund.”
Further information is available at eirgrid.ie/dublin