When we are upgrading or adding new transmission infrastructure in your area, to help make the grid more efficient and sustainable, this will involve some disruption for your community. However, the benefits of safe, secure and sustainable energy will be long lasting. EirGrid in putting communities at the heart of our engagement will work closely with all stakeholders to minimise the disruption and maximise the benefit to those most impacted by our projects.
Our enhanced Community Benefit Policy recognises the importance of the local communities who support our work. Under this initiative, we create a community benefit scheme in proportion to the scale of the project and establish a Community Forum to ensure that the scheme is designed for the local community, by the local community.
April 2022 EirGrid Awards €204,600 to Community Groups in Laois and Kilkenny
Groups and not-for-profit organisations in communities adjacent (within 3km) to the line were given priority in the allocation of funding by an independent fund administrator, with successful groups from Spink, Ballyroan and Ballinakill in Laois, and Ballyragget and Ballyouskill in Kilkenny
This is the first of three phases of funding available in the areas adjacent to the project, of a total fund of €511,500.
Please click here to view the funded projects for Laois Kilkenny.
In December 2021, EirGrid awarded community groups and not-for-profit organisations near the new Clashavoon Dunmanway electricity line a total of €600,000 in funding.
The Community Benefit Fund was opened for applications in July 2021 following the completion of works on the new 110 kV electricity line. The line connects two substations at Clashavoon and Dunmanway with the circuit successfully energised in September 2020.
A total of 36 projects from Dunmanway, Aghinagh, Carrigadrohid, Kilmurry, Rusheen, Macroom, Tirelton, Kilmichael and Coppeen West were successful in the application process.
The successful projects include the development of community and sports facilities, funding for youth facilities, along with heritage, older persons and enterprise initiatives.
Please click here to view the funded projects for Clashavoon Dunmanway.
In 2020, EirGrid launched the Kilpadogue-Moyvane-Knockanure Community Sponsorship Fund. A total of €205,000 was made available for distribution under the Fund.
The Fund recognises the support of local communities throughout the development of the Kilpadogue Knockanure electricity cable project. The 220 kV cable links Kilpadogue (near Tarbert) and Knockanure substations and was energised in June 2022.
15 applicants were successful in sharing the proceeds of the fund and projects are largely complete. EirGrid supported a Community Appreciation Day on the 16th September to close out the fund. To view the funded projects please click here.
Please click here to view the funded projects for Kilpadogue – Knockanure.
24.10.2018 This fund is now closed. EirGrid recently hosted a community event in Knockanure Community Centre to announce the successful applicants. The fund will support 13 community projects, comprising a wide range of local initiatives. Further details on the event and a list of the successful applicants can be found here.
31.08.18 The EirGrid Knockanure Duagh Community Fund is now closed for applications.
EirGrid recently completed an infrastructure project in Kilmorna, North Kerry comprising of a new substation and overhead lines. The fund with a value of €70,500 was established by EirGrid to benefit the communities close to the new infrastructure.
All interested parties were encouraged to review the fund brochure and application form for further information. The fund sought projects that demonstrated broad community benefit in the areas of the provision or enhancement of community infrastructure and amenities and the provision of community education initiatives.
The fund will be administered in partnership with Kerry County Council.
Previously, we invited applications for our Mullingar-Kinnegad 110 kV Project fund. The deadline for applications to this fund has now closed. However, you can download the information leaflet which provided information on this fund here.
A detailed external review of this pilot community fund was undertaken to assist EirGrid in maximising the long term community benefit of future community funds. The full report is available here. You can find an abbreviated plain English version of this report including key recommendations below.
Plain English Summary: Pilot Community Fund Evaluation
In some locations, and to some observers, electricity transmission lines have a visual impact on the landscape. Particularly in residential areas, they can seem intrusive when first built. This is why, in January 2014, EirGrid developed a system of Proximity Payments. We introduced these after a consultation process where we listened to public feedback. We’re building a more efficient, more effective and more economic electricity network – but we can’t do this without you.
We are running a pilot study as part of the Mullingar Reinforcement project. If this affects you, please download the application form here. Our address can be found on the contact page.