Public consultation starts today on the Grid Link Project, an estimated €500 million project planned by EirGrid to upgrade the electricity grid that will deliver a wide range of benefits to the national and regional economies.

The development will involve the construction of a new power line linking Leinster and Munster.

Launching the Grid Link Project in Cork today Mr. Pat Rabbitte, T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, said it will provide a secure, long-term electricity supply for homes and businesses across the south and east of the country.

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He said: "The Grid Link Project will reinforce the electricity grid and have direct economic benefits for our local communities. I encourage people to engage in the public consultation and provide feedback to EirGrid."

EirGrid carried out a detailed analysis of the national transmission grid to identify the level of reinforcement required to ensure a secure electricity supply and to enable the country achieve its renewable energy targets.

This analysis identified a capacity shortfall in the south and east of the country.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid, said: "This is a vital development strengthening the electricity grid across the south and east of the country that will help empower economic growth and enable Ireland to meet its renewable energy targets.

"The project will help enable Ireland to shift from a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels to more sustainable sources of energy. It will also help ensure that the most efficient electricity generators in the south and east are utilised in the most effective way," he added.

(CD/GK)