EirGrid is proposing to reinforce the network in the general Laois-Kilkenny region. We plan to achieve this through the development of a new transmission line between the two counties.
EirGrid welcomes the decision by An Bord Pleanála to amend planning permission for the Laois-Kilkenny project, allowing for the installation of a temporary tower to assist construction of this important project.
In April 2017, works started at the Coolnabacky electricity station site without the planning conditions being discharged with Laois County Council, including the erection of a temporary tower.
This is required during the construction works to ensure the safety of workers on site and to maintain security of electricity supply as an existing overhead line runs close to the perimeter of the new station.
EirGrid subsequently applied to An Bord Pleanála for an alteration to the planning permission for the temporary tower.
The temporary tower is on ESB land and is over 800 metres away from the nearest house. Once the station is built it will be removed.
We are also pleased to confirm that site restoration works have been completed as per the instruction from Laois County Council.
The Laois-Kilkenny electricity project is required to improve the security of electricity supply in the region. This €110 million investment in the area will ensure that the electricity network can meet the present and future needs of all users, from homes to farms, and small businesses to industrial customers.
In April 2017, works started at the Coolnabacky electricity station site without the planning conditions being discharged with Laois County Council, including the erection of a temporary pylon.
Once this issue came to light we immediately ceased all works. No further works shall take place until the necessary planning conditions have been agreed in writing with the planning authority, Laois County Council.
The temporary pylon is required during the construction works to ensure the safety of workers on site and to maintain security of electricity supply as an existing overhead line runs close to the perimeter of the new station.
Once the station is built this temporary pylon and line diversion will be removed. This pylon is on ESB land and is over 800 metres away from the nearest house.
We have now applied to An Bord Pleanála for an alteration to the planning permission for this temporary pylon.
EirGrid and ESB Networks regret this occurrence and we apologise to Laois County Council and the local communities. We understand the concerns this incident may have caused and we would like to reassure you that we are reviewing our processes internally to ensure this does not occur in the future.