I wish to make a strong objection to the proposal to locate a substation and associated networking infrastructure in areas ZS1, ZS2, ZS3 & ZS4.

Firstly I would like to state that the complete lack of formal engagement with the residents of the affected areas is a disgrace and extremely disingenuous. At a very minimum there should have been information packs dropped to every home and business in the suggested zones so that people are fully aware and informed of the proposal and potential consequences of same going ahead. Only for local community making us all aware we would be blissfully oblivious.

We are resident in Athgoe and have family and friends with a long standing history in residence here and over in Farmervale.

As a resident, I wish for you to strongly consider the following concerns, and we urge EirGrid and its Agricultural Liaison Officer, and all relevant planning authorities to consider them carefully:

1. Zoning, Visual and Rural Character Impacts

The area is zoned rural, agricultural and residential, and this designation should be respected. The South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2022 – 2028, Object ID 9338 - from Myplan.ie – Athgoe South is zoned as agricultural and it states, “to protect and improve rural amenity and to provide for the development of agriculture”.
A large-scale substation would dramatically alter the rural character and damage the natural beauty of the landscape. Our property is situated in Athgoe South, with open views across green fields and farmland that will be irreversibly affected by the proposed development plan.

We live on the border of Dublin and Kildare and frequently use all byroads in Zone ZS1, 2 3 & 4 for travel to and from school, work and general day to day commuting. This area is our home and therefore of huge importance to us. A large part of Zone ZS1 is within the borders of Kildare (Athgoe is Dublin), an area that is outlined in Kildare County Council’s (KCC) Development Plan 2023 - 2029, stating that “ Views of the Upland Areas on the Oughterard Road (L6018). Location: Pluckstown, Oughterard, Castlewarden North: The L6018 local road that runs through Oughterard provides scenic vistas of the undulating lands at the County Boundary, as well as views of the Wicklow Mountains in the distance. The elevated nature of the road and the existing low vegetation of the agricultural lands allow long-distance visibility. The generally smooth terrain is interrupted by hedgerows and conifer forests. Although scattered housing occurs throughout the area, these are partially screened by existing vegetation. Thus, the vistas available from the road remain generally unaffected”. It is also worth noting Scenic Route 10, in the same Development plan where it specifically states “An existing powerline significantly, however locally, affects the quality of the views”. Scenic routes 10 and 11 are located where the old Dublin to Limerick road used to be, before the N7 was constructed. Scenic route 11 has been used as a main reason for refusing planning permission to a local resident in Oughterard, four times in total. (Planning Application reference number 25/60191). The Refusal letter to this individual states that route 11 “......seeks to protect, sustain and enhance the established appearance and character of all important views and prospects”.
- Appendix 4 Scenic Routes.pdf (kildarecoco.ie )
- View Files (kildarecoco.ie)

I would like to draw your attention again to the KCC’s Development Plan, Chapter 13, page 8 & 9, where it identifies Zone 1 as lying within a high-sensitivity landscape as defined in Table 13.4, where energy infrastructure is ‘compatible only in exceptional circumstances’. Substations or tall pylons on or near this area would visibly dominate the landscape, violating the County DP guidelines aimed at preserving rural character and views.
- Chapter 13. Landscape Recreation Amenity.pdf (kildarecoco.ie)
This project threatens to industrialise a peaceful, scenic rural setting, diminishing the visual amenity for residents and landowners.

2. Heritage and Cultural Significance

Zone ZS1 is an area steeped in history. We live close to Athgoe Castle, which was completed in 1579 by the Locke family, and is a prominent landmark in the area. Surrounding the castle grounds are its original old walls, of which line Athgoe South road and which must be protected and not undermined by the movement of massive machinery which would be required for the construction of a substation.
Secondly, Oughterard Graveyard, a site of major historical and cultural significance. The graveyard consists of a 10th century tower, a protected national monument. This is also the final resting place of Arthur Guinness, a globally recognised historical figure. Lord Kilwarden, who was assassinated during the 1803 rebellion, is also buried here. The site reflects a cross-section of Irish history—from Viking raids, Norman conquest, to the Penal Laws and modern Ireland. Even though Oughterard Graveyard falls outside the scope of Zone ZS1, any industrial development must respect not just the monument but also its setting—including landscape views. Many tourists walk to Oughterard Graveyard from Ardclough Village Centre - a centre that has a designated history room about Arthur Guinness and this local heritage site. Other tourists attend Oughterard Graveyard via bus tours.
- Oughterard Ecclesiastical Site | Heritage Ireland

The introduction of substations and overhead lines will disrupt the peace and quiet enjoyment of this heritage site and introduce a visual intrusion to a location that holds deep historical and emotional value to the community. Its elevated location and protected scenic setting must not be compromised by large-scale energy infrastructure.

National and EU heritage guidance encourages protection of the setting and views around heritage sites, which this development disregards.

3. Biodiversity and Environmental Concerns

The land and fields within Zone ZS1 supports diverse species of flora and fauna, including pollinators, nesting birds, and native trees.

Yellow Hammer

The Yellow Hammer is identified as a protected species and red listed having declined by more than 50% in 20 years. This is according to https://species.biodiversityireland.ie/profile.php?taxonId=11686&taxonName=yellowhammer
Zone ZS1’s hedgerows provide essential nesting habitats and feeding ground.

Buzzard

Buzzards are a protected species under the Wildlife Acts 1976–2018. Nesting sites are protected year-round (not just during the breeding season), especially if they are in use or likely to be reused. There is confirmed nesting activity of buzzards within Zone ZS1 and surrounding areas. From our property, we regularly observe buzzards hunting, as they soar over the fields below before swooping down to feed. This clearly indicates that Zone ZS1 provides essential feeding habitat for the species. Buzzards depend on mature trees, quiet surroundings, and minimal disturbance to successfully breed. The proposed installation of a substation, associated circuits and overhead power lines, would introduce noise, vibration, and visual disturbance, which could lead to nest abandonment or reduced breeding success. Therefore, development in this area poses a significant risk to the conservation of Buzzards.

Bats

All bat species are protected under the Wildlife Acts and EU Habitats Directive. They forage along hedgerows and watercourses, of which there are plenty. The farmland, mature trees, hedgerows, and rivers in Zone ZS1 provide ideal roosting, foraging, and habitats for several bat species commonly found in Ireland. We regularly see them at night when we are outside.

Red Kites

Red Kites have also been spotted in the area, in particular Athgoe. They are also a protected species under the Wildlife Acts 1976–2018 and the EU Birds Directive.

In summary, habitat loss caused by the construction, vegetation clearance, and infrastructure installation would disrupt vital nesting, roosting, and feeding grounds. Noise, vibration, light and increased human activity would cause disturbance, potentially leading to nest abandonment and reduced breeding success. The loss of mature trees and hedgerows would further degrade essential routes for bats and feeding habitats for birds, contributing to population declines. Such disturbances would not only breach national and EU wildlife protection laws but also undermine biodiversity conservation efforts critical to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem in the area. This proposal also contradicts Ireland’s climate ambitions.

4. Economic

If a substation and associated circuits i.e. pylons are introduced to the area, this has potential to devalue the properties in zones ZS1, ZS2, ZS3 & ZS4 and in surrounding areas.

In Peter & Rose O’Reilly v Electricity Supply Board [2025] IESC 37 (5 June 2025), the Supreme Court held that landowners are entitled not just to compensation for the strip of land occupied by pylons but also for any depreciation in value of their remaining holdings. This case was reported in the Farmers Journal on 21st June 2025. The landowner in question is “entitled to compensation for the loss of market value of farmland associated with the installation of pylons by the ESB on their land. Crucially, this extends to the entire property”.

This judgment affirms that the presence of pylons or infrastructure diminishes market value of property and land.

- Supreme Court ruling on compensation for lands devalued due to electricity power lines could affect thousands of landowners – The Irish Times

5. Water and Drainage Risks

The Camac River runs under a small bridge on Athgoe South road, and continues under the land running directly through Zone ZS1. When there is persistent rain, the river rises partially flooding the surrounding lands and roads.

Construction activity and substation placement near this system could cause:
- Pollution of surface water and groundwater
- Blockages to natural flow, increasing risk of flooding or soil erosion downstream

These impacts could have serious consequences for local agriculture and wetland biodiversity. Frogs are regularly seen throughout the farmlands in zone ZS1, with many of the shallow waters including to the right of zone ZS1 being spawning grounds in early Spring.

6. Light and Noise Pollution

Substations typically emit a continuous low-frequency hum, which may negatively impact both human and animal well-being.
Additionally, such infrastructure can degrade the rural soundscape and contribute to light pollution, resulting in the loss of the natural darkness that defines our countryside.

7. Inadequate Local Infrastructure

The rural roads in this area are narrow, winding, and not designed for heavy construction traffic or ongoing maintenance vehicles.

No proper access roads currently exist for high-voltage works, increasing safety risks during construction. Your own report (CP1226) explicitly notes that the road network in zone ZS1 is narrow and not well-suited to carry multiple large high voltage circuits.

Tree-lined lanes and hedgerows form part of the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, as outlined above and should not be cleared to make way for pylons or vehicle access.

For the reasons above, I strongly object to locating substations and associated infrastructure in Zone ZS1 through to ZS4.

Based on the foregoing comments we strongly urge EirGrid and its planning partners to exclude Zone ZS1 particularly and also ZS2, ZS3 & ZS4 from the preferred list of substation locations.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this submission and I trust that EirGrid will prioritise sustainability, community wellbeing, and heritage in its decision-making process.

Yours sincerely,

Daragh Cagney, Athgoe South, D22Y792

Kildare Dublin Grid Reinforcement Project - Substation Zones - Submissions

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