EirGrid in Kildare with Community Benefit Fund information days

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the electricity grid, is taking its mobile information unit to Naas and Clane for two days to speak with the public about its Kildare-Meath Community Benefit Fund.

As part of their work progressing the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade, EirGrid recently announced the launch of a community benefit fund which has a total value of €4,610,000.

This community benefit fund, and the local organisations and initiatives which they support, leave behind a positive legacy in those communities that live alongside key infrastructure projects. The funds have a particular focus on the themes of sustainability, community and biodiversity.

The Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade will help meet growing energy demand in the region due to increased economic development and population growth. The project will add a high-capacity 400 kV underground electricity connection between Dunstown substation in Kildare and Woodland substation in Meath.

EirGrid is keen to ensure that the community benefit fund is designed for, and by, local communities and so, they are inviting community organisations and individuals to take part in the process to help identify the priorities and needs of the local area. This will feed into the community benefit strategy.

Two information days will be hosted at their mobile unit in Naas on Tuesday, January 27 and in Clane on Wednesday, January 28.

Speaking ahead of the information days, Avril Wilson, EirGrid’s Senior Lead Engagement Specialist, said: “The launch of our Kildare-Meath Community Benefit Fund recognises the importance that EirGrid places on engaging with local communities, as well as the role that they play in helping us to deliver this critical grid infrastructure project.

“I would encourage interested individuals and organisations to come along to our information days in Naas and Clane on 27 and 28 January, to ensure that the fund can be developed with the priorities and interests of the local community in mind.

“It will be an opportunity to find out more about how the community benefit fund will work and the opportunities that it can bring,” she concluded.

Information Days:

Tuesday, January 27: