Clashavoon - Dunmanway

This project involved a new 110 kV electricity line connecting two substations in Co Cork. The new line runs approximately 40 km from Clashavoon, north east of Macroom, to the outskirts of Dunmanway. It was designed as an overhead line, supported mainly by sets of wooden poles.

Why was this project needed?

The development was required to resolve two transmission network problems in southwest Cork.

Previously, only two 110 kV transmission lines maintained the electricity supply in southwest Cork: the Dunmanway-Macroom 110 kV line and the Bandon-Raffeen 110 kV line. This posed a potential risk during routine maintenance. If, when one line was down for maintenance, there was a failure on the other line, a large section of southwest Cork would lose electricity supply. This would leave the towns of Bandon, Ballylickey, Dunmanway and extended and surrounding areas around without power.

New electricity infrastructure in the region was essential to meet the required standards for a safe and secure electricity system.

This project also allows new sources of renewable energy to connect to the grid. There is a significant amount of renewable generation connected or seeking to connect in southwest Cork. The development will assist in facilitating the additional wind generation onto the transmission network.

EirGrid has a legal obligation to connect electricity generators. As the national electricity transmission system operator for Ireland, we have a statutory function. Subject to direction from the regulator, this statute requires us to offer a connection to the grid for those who request it.

When an electricity generator accepts our connection offer, we have to meet their needs. This means we are legally required to develop the grid in response to plans for new electricity generation, such as wind farms.

What are the benefits of this project?

There were two main reasons why this project was necessary: For security of supply in the southwest area of Cork and to connect renewable energy.

The EU had set a target for Ireland to generate 40% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This includes wind, wave and tidal power. There are many plans in this area for new forms of renewable energy generation. This new line will allow the region to utilise its rich renewable energy resources.

This project will also support growth and development in the region, and ensure security of supply for the future. A strong electricity network will help boost existing industry in the south. In particular, it will allow this area to compete more effectively for business and inward development.

December 2021

EirGrid Awards €600,000 To Clashavoon Dunmanway Community Groups

EirGrid, the national electricity grid operator has 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 last July 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.

Speaking about the fund, EirGrid Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said, “EirGrid is transforming the power system for future generations and working with communities is at the centre of achieving this. We would like to thank each group and organisation who took the time to submit a funding application and look forward to seeing the development of these worthwhile projects and initiatives.”

“We were heartened by the incredible interest there was to the fund and the level of collaboration which was very evident across communities. EirGrid acknowledge that voluntary groups are the lifeblood of communities and are delighted to support their work in improving the quality of life in the project area,” added Dooley.

A fund support and administration service was independently set up to help groups with the application process and input was received from across the community, voluntary and sporting organisations.

Each application was assessed by an evaluation panel composing of representatives from EirGrid, the fund administrators M-CO, and an independent evaluator. The panel was also tasked with ensuring the benefits of the fund are shared by communities along the full length of the Clashavoon-Dunmanway transmission line and by a range of different groups and organisations.

The fund administrators will be in touch with the successful groups with a formal grant agreement and to discuss the next steps. The projects and funding amounts are shown below.