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Yes, it will be a typical 38 kV local distribution type of line, same as those all-around Ireland. See typical structure outline booklet – Download Sample Images of 38 kV Structures (PDF) ESB Networks operates thousands of kilometres of 38 kV (Medium Voltage – MV) lines in Ireland. MV Lines are already the backbone electricity supply to many of our towns and villages and ESB Networks has detailed design and maintenance standards for all 38 kV overhead lines, including mechanical design parameters, span lengths, and safe clearance requirements.

Unfortunately not as underground cables tend to be less reliable, especially for important backbone local supply and connections. They are more costly to install and tend to have more local impacts during the installation phases on communities (road closures and diversions). From an ESB Networks perspective, faults on underground cables take much longer to find, and repair should a fault occur on an underground circuit. In contrast overhead line technology can be repaired relatively quickly.

ESB Networks is currently gathering relevant design information, and consulting with the local community, public bodies and gathering all the relevant constraints within this study area. We will try to balance the consultation, route selection and planning process. We will consider all local information as is relevant. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and traditional mapping will help to identify route options and fully assess the areas to review the suitability for this new overhead line. Our aim is to design this important 38 kV Line to have the least impact on people, land use and the environment. All factors being important. We welcome any local or community observations at this initial Stage One to help ESB Networks build a picture and a ‘heat map’ of likely constraints within this area.

Stage One – Information Gathering (public consultation / information phase) One month consultation. (Jan to Feb)
Stage Two – Corridor Assessment and Evaluation. (Feb to March)

The answer is with great care, and we try to have the least impact on people, land use and the environment. This overhead line technology (38 kV) has some good design flexibility, where technically possible and consultation will take place with affected landowners and stakeholders.

Guidelines will be based on best routing criteria and industry and technology best practice.

  • Considering, among others – the topography, landscape, housing, land use, environmental and ecological considerations (protected species, habitats, and potential mitigation measures), and the cultural heritage and any social factors.
  • Safety and health, including full compliance with any relevant HSA and ESB Networks and international safety standards.
  • Data protection and privacy in compliance with planning regulations.

Yes. ESB Networks would like to reassure the community and landowners that all feedback will be carefully considered as part of the overall design, balanced planning, routing approach and consultation processes and outcomes.

No. Personal details will only be processed in line with legal regulations and in accordance with ESB’s Data Protection Policy and GDPR. For more information, see https://www.esb.ie/privacy.

All overhead electricity lines shall be designed and constructed to perform reliably and in an economic manner for the range of design conditions specified in ESB Networks design standards. Allow safe working practices during construction, operation and maintenance. Take account public safety, durability, robustness, maintainability, planning and environmental considerations, and appearance. Be economically viable and compatible with ESB Networks business requirements. These requirements shall be achieved by appropriate design, choice of suitable materials and by specifying control procedures for the construction, operation and maintenance of the overhead network into the future.

Please see sample of images here: Download Sample Images of 38 kV Structures (PDF)
(*note some minor materials variation may occur from what’s shown ,- as part of the future competitive tendering and design improvement processes.)