Project Information
Introduction
ESB Networks is committed to providing a safe, reliable, and efficient electricity supply to our communities. To meet the growing demand for electricity and the resilience of our power infrastructure, we are introducing the need for a new 38 kV overhead line, as the optimum solution to meet this growing demand, between Bunclody, Co Wexford, and Shillelagh, Co Wicklow, Stations.
This new 38 kV Overhead Line technology is essential for several reasons:
- To Increase Capacity: As our communities grow, so too does the demand for electricity. This new proposed 38 kV line will increase our capacity to deliver critical power, ensuring that local homes and businesses have the energy that they need.
- Improved Reliability: This new 38 kV line will enhance the reliability of our local electricity supply. By adding this infrastructure, we can help reduce the risk of outages and ensure a more stable power supply into the future.
- Support Renewable Technology: The new overhead line will facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources into our homes, farms and business. This is a crucial future step towards achieving Ireland’s sustainability ambitions and reducing our carbon footprint. (e.g. electric vehicles and more efficient heat pump technology).
- Futureproofing: Investing now in a modern resilient back-bone power supply infrastructure will help us to meet the local energy needs today, and tomorrow. This new 38 kV line is designed to support future technological advancements and any increased electricity demand.
Our electricity distribution networks and planning standards require that all new infrastructure is justified by having clear evidence of need, that it supports national planning policy, and is future-proofed for growth and decarbonisation.
ESB Networks stakeholder engagement emphasises transparency, clarity, and early engagement on project rationale. This is a local project for local communities.
ESB Networks is responsible for keeping electricity flowing safely and reliably to homes, farms, schools, and businesses across Ireland. In the Bunclody and Shillelagh areas, the existing electricity network was built for past needs and does not have enough capacity or resilience to meet future demands or the likely expected growth in the years ahead.
To address this local electricity demand, ESB Networks is investing in the area, and we are planning to design and build a new 38 kV (distribution line) from Bunclody to Shillelagh. This proposed new overhead line will connect into the existing local substations to provide a much more reliable connection and reinforcement between the existing Bunclody and Shillelagh 38 kV substations. This will greatly benefit the Bunclody and Shillelagh area and indeed the wider network and enhance the electricity supply in your area.
Latest News
We are only at Stage One – announcing this important local area project and trying to help everyone understand the project needs and goals and greater benefits to the local community.
Community Benefits
This new 38 kV overhead line technology will help meet local needs and distribute a much more reliable power supply to the area around Shillelagh and Bunclody. It will help the area to meet its current and future forecast growth.
Proposed Development Timeline
It is anticipated ESB Networks will submit a planning application for this new 38 kV line in Q3, 2026. Construction will depend on planning consent; this will commence once planning permission is granted (*dates are preliminary at this stage).