EirGrid has restarted public consultation on a new electricity project that runs from Ballina in Mayo to Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon.
The North Connacht 110 kV project is a new electricity circuit that will underpin investment in the region and facilitate the growth of renewable energy.
The circuit will be either an underground cable or overhead line that links the existing electricity substations at Moy near Ballina and Tonroe near Ballaghaderreen.
The EirGrid project team is currently evaluating possible routes for the circuit within a study area that runs from Foxford in the west to Tubbercurry in the east; and Ballina in the north to Ballaghaderreen in the south.
The team is looking for feedback on the seven potential routes identified in the study area, four of which are for overhead lines and three for underground cables. The public consultation runs for two months from September 14 to November 16.
The previous round of consultation ended in July 2018 and helped determine a suitable study area where the new circuit could be placed.
David Martin, EirGrid spokesperson, said: "The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic presents challenges to us in how we engage with people on this important infrastructure project.
"This summer we invited people living in the study area to complete a short survey to help guide how we could best communicate with them. Following a comprehensive analysis of the responses, we are happy to provide a mix of traditional and innovative, online methods that range from telephone surgeries to virtual project exhibitions.
"The project is reaching a critical point where we will soon determine the best possible route. It is vitally important that we receive feedback from people who may be affected by the project."
The project will be either a 110 kV overhead line or an underground cable. If an overhead line is used, the majority of it will be carried on timber twin pole sets, with steel angle masts used when the circuit needs to change direction.
The start point for the North Connacht 110 kV project will be at Moy substation near Ballina, Mayo. The end point will be at Tonroe substation near Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon. There will also be 32km of upgrade works on the existing line from Tonroe to Flagford (Carrick-on-Shannon ).
For more information on the project and for details on how to provide feedback please visit http://www.eirgridgroup.com/NorthConnachtProject.
