Site Investigations, Planning and Environment, Health and Safety

Closed28 Mar, 2023, 1:00pm - 23 May, 2023, 5:00pm

Site investigations

We are in the early development stages of the project. Currently we are doing desk research to determine the route options. However, before significant investment is made, and before construction works starts, we will confirm the routes are feasible through non-invasive and invasive investigations.

Non-invasive investigations

We perform these to see an accurate design of the above and below ground environment. This includes:

  • Survey of the landscape;
  • inspecting manholes;
  • using sonic and radar devices with Cat and Gen and Ground Penetrating Radar.

Invasive investigations

In areas of high congestion and/or limited space, we carry out focused slit trenching and H trenching. Slit trenches are long narrow trenches. They are used to verify the position of existing underground utilities and to confirm the desk research and utilities mapping. H trenches are a H shape and are performed where Joint Bays are proposed.

We may also need to take bore hole samples to analyse soil and ground conditions to ensure we can perform Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for crossing existing services or infrastructure.

These investigations are classed as utility survey detection and aims to find any utilities like telephone lines, water, gas and drainage pipes.

Substation upgrades

As part of this project, we need to build a new 220kV substation at Poolbeg to support the electricity network for the Dublin area. A substation is used to reduce the high voltage of electrical power transmission so that it is suitable to supply to customers.

The new substation will be built next to the existing substation. See image below for the location. The works will improve power quality and support future renewable generation, including offshore renewables.

The image above is a typical indoor Gas Insulated substation building

Planning and environment

The planning and consenting process for this project is complex due to the nature and location of the cable routes and substations.

The replacement of underground electricity transmission cables may be classified as ‘exempted development’ in accordance with planning legislation, meaning planning permission is not required. This is subject to meeting different criteria including ecological and environmental surveys, which are being performed by specialist consultants.

The substation expansions will require planning permission. A planning application has recently been submitted to Fingal County Council for an expansion of Belcamp substation in Clonshaugh. We are currently engaging with An Bord Pleanála on the planning pathway for Poolbeg substation, which we intend to submit in summer 2023. This planning application will include environmental and traffic surveys.

Our planning applications consider other planned development in the area. For example, we consider proposed offshore windfarm developments connecting into Poolbeg substation and any urban development planned such as the former Irish Glass bottle site in Ringsend, close to the Poolbeg substation.

Licences will also be required for surveys and development within the marine area. This includes areas of tidal rivers as well as Dublin Bay.

Health and safety

When developing all our projects, safety is paramount. We ensure compliance with all safety legislation include the Safety and Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Construction Act 2013. A Health and Safety Coordinator is appointed at the start of the project and monitors safe design practices before the construction phase.
EirGrid specifications on plant and apparatus used to develop the grid are regularly updated and aligned to international best practice on high-voltage infrastructure.


For further information on health and safety and specific information on electric and magnetic fields and cables, see the booklet on our website: The Electricity Grid and Your Health.