IBEC West, which represents business in the region, has welcomed the significant progress on the Grid West project, following the announcement of a number of potential corridors which can accommodate this new transmission line. The project is a €240 million investment in the west of Ireland’s energy infrastructure and is being developed by EirGrid, the state-owned company responsible for the development and operation of the national electricity transmission system.
President of IBEC West and plant manager of ThermoKing in Galway Cormac MacDonncha said: “The Grid West project will facilitate significant job creation and investment as well as contributing to national recovery and growth by connecting the electricity generated by the region’s huge renewable energy resources.
“Manufacturing industry is particularly important in the west, which is home to a number of very significant exporters. These industries need robust, reliable electricity supply, and infrastructure which is capable of meeting any increase in their electricity need. Similarly, there needs to be sufficient electricity supply capacity available in order to attract new industries and services to locate or to start up in the region.
“In order to meet the west region's needs for adequate energy supply, we require this investment in electricity transmission infrastructure and IBEC welcomes the progress that has been made to date on the Grid West project. We would encourage the people of the west to support this project, which is critical for delivering balanced regional development.”
Grid West is part of EirGrid’s Grid25 plan to upgrade the national grid between now and 2025.
