EirGrid is now holding the first phase of consultation of the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project. This first consultation will determine where exactly to locate two new substations in the vicinity of West County Dublin and East Kildare. EirGrid will also seek feedback on the technology options available for these substations.
What is the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project?
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement is a proposed project to accommodate the continued growth in electricity demand in the region, which is being driven by several sectors.
This includes:
residential housing;
commercial and industrial development;
electrification of heat (heat pumps) and transportation (electric vehicles and public transport); and the integration of offshore renewable energy connections.
To support renewable targets, we need to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in our network. This is why we are currently progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever taken on the transmission system in Ireland. This includes reinforcements, upgrades and new infrastructure right across the country.
The existing electricity infrastructure in the East Kildare and South Dublin area is at risk of reaching its capacity limit. To address this need, new infrastructure is required to ensure a reliable, sustainable electricity supply to communities, residents, schools and businesses.
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement project will improve electricity capacity in this rapidly growing region. This critical development will enhance the grid in the area, providing a continued, secure energy supply which will support local growth and development, as well as helping the country reach its renewable energy targets.
Key to this project is the development of two new transmission substations within the identified area. The primary function of this substation is to facilitate power flows between the transmission and distribution systems to enable power to be distributed to where it is needed.
EirGrid is currently consulting on the following aspects of the project:
One new 400/220/110kV substation near the SouthWest Dublin/East Kildare border at Steelstown;
One new 220/110kV substation near Castlebaggot;
The best technology options for these substations:
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation; or
Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Substation.
Project Benefits
This grid reinforcement will create opportunities by providing additional capacity to supply electricity to areas where it is needed in the future which will enable businesses, schools, hospitals, homes and farms to prosper and grow, and will also create opportunities for facilitating renewable generation.
Substation Zones Under Consideration Criosanna
EirGrid identified a number of potential zones for each of the required substations within the larger study zone for the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project via EirGrid’s Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) process, which scored sub criteria to evaluate risks and determine overall performance for each option.
West County Dublin Zones
Three Zones were identified by EirGrid as potential locations for a substation in this area. These zones can be seen in the map below
South West Dublin / East Kildare Zones
Four zones were identified by EirGrid as potential locations for a substation in this area. These zones can be seen in the map below
Substation technologies under consideration
The following two substation technologies have been considered:
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation; and
Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Substation.
Both technologies have distinct characteristics making them suitable for different scenarios based on land availability, future connection requirements, and regulatory compliance as outlined below:
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation
Uses gas to insulate electrical equipment, allowing for a compact design.
Requires less space and has minimal visual impact.
Typically built indoors in dedicated buildings.
Limited future expansion—additional equipment must be installed at the start.
Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Substation
Uses air for insulation, making future expansions easier.
Requires more space.
Typically built outdoors with a larger footprint.
Next steps for the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project
Once the sites for the two required substations have been narrowed down, they will need to be connected to the grid. The the project team will conduct assessments on circuits that will connect these substations to the electricity grid. A public consultation to determine the appropriate technology options and route options for these connecting circuits will then take place.
Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project - Substation Zones
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Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project
Public Consultation
EirGrid is now holding the first phase of consultation of the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project. This first consultation will determine where exactly to locate two new substations in the vicinity of West County Dublin and East Kildare. EirGrid will also seek feedback on the technology options available for these substations.
What is the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project?
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement is a proposed project to accommodate the continued growth in electricity demand in the region, which is being driven by several sectors.
This includes:
To support renewable targets, we need to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in our network. This is why we are currently progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever taken on the transmission system in Ireland. This includes reinforcements, upgrades and new infrastructure right across the country.
The existing electricity infrastructure in the East Kildare and South Dublin area is at risk of reaching its capacity limit. To address this need, new infrastructure is required to ensure a reliable, sustainable electricity supply to communities, residents, schools and businesses.
The Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement project will improve electricity capacity in this rapidly growing region. This critical development will enhance the grid in the area, providing a continued, secure energy supply which will support local growth and development, as well as helping the country reach its renewable energy targets.
Key to this project is the development of two new transmission substations within the identified area. The primary function of this substation is to facilitate power flows between the transmission and distribution systems to enable power to be distributed to where it is needed.
EirGrid is currently consulting on the following aspects of the project:
Project Benefits
This grid reinforcement will create opportunities by providing additional capacity to supply electricity to areas where it is needed in the future which will enable businesses, schools, hospitals, homes and farms to prosper and grow, and will also create opportunities for facilitating renewable generation.
Substation Zones Under Consideration Criosanna
EirGrid identified a number of potential zones for each of the required substations within the larger study zone for the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project via EirGrid’s Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) process, which scored sub criteria to evaluate risks and determine overall performance for each option.
West County Dublin Zones
Three Zones were identified by EirGrid as potential locations for a substation in this area. These zones can be seen in the map below
South West Dublin / East Kildare Zones
Four zones were identified by EirGrid as potential locations for a substation in this area. These zones can be seen in the map below
Substation technologies under consideration
The following two substation technologies have been considered:
Both technologies have distinct characteristics making them suitable for different scenarios based on land availability, future connection requirements, and regulatory compliance as outlined below:
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation
Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Substation
Next steps for the Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project
Once the sites for the two required substations have been narrowed down, they will need to be connected to the grid. The the project team will conduct assessments on circuits that will connect these substations to the electricity grid. A public consultation to determine the appropriate technology options and route options for these connecting circuits will then take place.
Further information
If you have any queries, please contact:
Eoghan O’Sullivan
Community Liaison Officer
Phone: +353 87 247 7732
Email: eoghan.osullivan@eirgrid.com
Or
Stephen Quinn
Community Liaison Officer
Phone: +353 87 001 8084
Email: stephen.quinn2@eirgrid.com
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