EirGrid, operator and developer of the national electricity grid, is inviting communities which will host the upcoming Finglas to North Wall underground cable to have their say in shaping the delivery of the associated community benefit fund.
This will be the first community benefit fund rolled out in relation to projects within the Powering Up Dublin programme, which will see the installation of 50km of high voltage underground cables connecting substations across the city, improving electricity capacity in the area.
This includes an underground cable connecting Finglas and North Wall substations.
Recognising the importance of local communities in developing this critical infrastructure, EirGrid has established a community benefit fund to provide direct benefits to community groups and voluntary organisations in the areas hosting the new cable line.
To ensure that the fund is designed for the local community, by the local community, EirGrid, along with fund administrators, M-CO, 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 30th, and is available online via Finglas-Northwall Community Benefit Fund Survey
Drop-in information events 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 at:
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Monday, September 28th |
7.00pm – 8.30pm |
The Spark Lab, Phibsborough Shopping Centre, D07VXF8 Advertisement |
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Wednesday, October 14th |
7.00pm – 8.30pm |
Erin’s Isle GAA Club, Finglas, D11 RRK6 |
The fund will be equally divided into community, sustainability and biodiversity streams.
It is expected that applications for the fund will open early next year, alongside construction commencing.
Welcoming this next step, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley, said: “As we work to strengthen the electricity grid in Dublin, it is a priority to us at EirGrid that this community benefit fund delivers long-term, positive impacts for the communities who are supporting our work to deliver a secure, renewable energy system.”
Dooley added: “We recognise that collaborating with local communities is key to delivering critical electricity infrastructure.
“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.”
The Powering Up Dublin programme will transform and modernise the electricity grid in the capital, which will also see upgrades to a number of electricity substations.
More information on the Powering Up Dublin programme can be found at www.eirgrid.ie/dublin