Community Benefit Fund Strategy Development
EirGrid develops, manages and operates Ireland’s electricity grid. In this role, EirGrid is also leading the secure transition of our electricity grid to a sustainable low-carbon future.
As part of its work to achieve this, a key grid development project is due to commence construction in parts of the North Connacht area in late 2025. The North Connacht 110 kV Project will add a new line to the electricity grid in Co. Mayo and Co. Roscommon which will strengthen the grid in Connacht.
Recognising the importance of local communities in developing this critical infrastructure, EirGrid has established a €1.53 million Community Benefit Fund to be invested in communities within a 2km zone of the proposed cable line.
The fund, which will be delivered in phases over the project period (anticipated 2025-2028), will focus on three core streams:
i) community
ii) sustainability
iii) biodiversity
Have Your Say!
To ensure that the Community Benefit Fund is designed to support those living within the 2km area of benefit, we are inviting:
- local community & voluntary groups;
- local residents; and
- local stakeholders
to take part in an online consultation process to identify the needs and priorities of their communities.
The information gathered through this survey will help us to ensure that the fund is designed by the local community, for the local community.
The survey will be open for submissions until Friday, 18th October 2024 and can be accessed by clicking the link below:
Online Information Session – Wednesday, 9th October 2024 at 7.00 pm
The SECAD team will also be holding an online information session on Wednesday, 9th October 2024 at 7.00 pm. This webinar is for anyone interested in learning more about the online survey which is currently open, and the fund strategy development work which we are undertaking with the Forum. All are welcome to attend this session. Register for the webinar by clicking on the link below:
Drop-In Clinics
SECAD Partnership has been appointed as Fund Administrators and will also be holding a series of drop-in clinics in the area to support local groups & individuals wishing to input into the strategy or to find out more about the fund:
Tuesday, 17th September
| 11.30-13.30 | Mary Robinson Centre, Ballina |
| 14.30-16.00 | Father Peyton Centre, Attymass |
| 17.30-19.30 | Swinford Amenity Park, Swinford |
Wednesday, 18th September
| 10.00-11.30 | Charlestown Arts Centre |
| 12.30-14.30 | Community Resource Centre, Ballaghaderreen |
A more detailed map of the 2km area of benefit can also be found by clicking on the link below the map.
Should you have any queries in relation to the consultation, please do not hesitate to contact kkearns@secad.ie or noconnell@secad.ie. Please note that all submissions will be treated confidentially and in line with SECAD’s privacy policy, which can be found here.