Key energy line from Kinnegad to Mullingar goes live

 

 

A key piece of energy infrastructure went live this week, improving the security of energy supply to Mullingar and the surrounding areas.

 

The 24 kilometre Mullingar to Kinnegad 110 kV line, developed by EirGrid, was energised on Wednesday.

 

The development received planning permission from An Bord PLeanála in 2013 and construction began in late 2014. The line runs between transmission stations in Mullingar and Killaskillen, County Meath.

 

Ciaran McNamara, EirGrid project manager, said: “Increased demand for electricity in the area was creating a strain, pushing the local 110 kV network to its technical limit.

 

“A consequence of this was a gradual decline in network performance and quality of electricity supply.

 

“Adding this line will make a significant improvement and is of immediate benefit to Mullingar. It also makes Mullingar more competitive when competing for inward investments as a secure electricity supply is a key factor in such decisions.”

 

In November, EirGrid announced that 37 local organisations along the route of the Mullingar to Kinnegad line had been selected to receive grants from the company’s first community fund. The €360,000 fund was the first fund of its kind to be put in place by EirGrid, the state electricity transmission system operator.