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Overview

EirGrid is the state owned independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) and Market Operator (MO) in Ireland. EirGrid's role, through the Grid25 programme, is to deliver quality connection, transmission, and market services to electricity generators, suppliers and customers utilising the high voltage electricity system.

To learn more about Grid25, click here

It is in this capacity that EirGrid is proposing to reinforce the network in the general Laois-Kilkenny region by way of constructing a new circuit between the two counties.

The proposed new transmission infrastructure will consist of the following:

• A 400/110 kV substation situated to the south east of Portlaoise, the location of which is yet to be determined. The existing 400 kV Moneypoint-Dunstown and 110 kV Carlow-Portlaoise overhead lines will be connected into this new substation.
• A 110/38 kV substation located adjacent to the existing 38 kV electricity substation at Ballyragget, County Kilkenny.
• A 110 kV circuit between the proposed 400/110 kV substation and the proposed 110/38 kV substation.
• Uprate (upgrade) of the existing Ballyragget - Kilkenny overhead line from 38 kV standard to 110 kV standard. 
   

Justification

EirGrid is statutorily obliged to develop, operate and maintain a safe, secure, reliable, efficient and economic transmission system while having due regard to the environment.

In carrying out this role, EirGrid is required to ensure compliance with a set of technical standards, known as the Transmission Planning Criteria. These criteria are the guidelines to which the transmission system must perform and are developed in line with best industry practice.

Based on these criteria we identify needs on the system and also the solutions to overcome these needs.

For this project, we have identified network problems which affect both quality of supply and security of supply in the areas of Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois. These problems are caused by the increase in load demand in the area over the last number of years , together with the growth in forecast demand in future.

To alleviate these concerns, EirGrid has identified the proposed Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement scheme as the most efficient solution. This solution ensures compliance with the Transmission Planning Criteria to all affected areas, as well as minimising the amount of new infrastructure required. By minimising the amount of new infrastructure to be built, and utilising existing infrastructure, the overall impact of the scheme is also minimised.

Interim measures are being installed in Kilkenny substation to ensure that quality of supply standards to the area are maintained, but this can only be seen as a short term measure that does not address the medium- to long-term security of supply and quality of supply concerns.