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Plans for a new circuit in the electricity transmission network in the North West of Ireland are moving forward following the selection of a preferred route.
The best performing route has been identified for the North Connacht 110kV Project that runs from Ballina in Co Mayo to Ballaghaderreen in Co Roscommon. It was selected from within the previously announced corridor for the new electricity development following technical assessments and extensive local engagement.
The route, which is approximately 60 km in length, will bypass major towns and villages, including Ballina, Foxford and Ballaghaderreen.
The underground cable route is mainly along public roads, however, to avoid constraints and obstacles along the route, it will be necessary to construct some of the cable off road.
Approximately 53 km of the underground cable route will be constructed on a range of road types from Moy to Tonroe, including the N5, N26, L1321 and N59.
The off-road sections of the underground cable account for approximately 7 km of the overall route. Sections of off-road cable will be mainly located at Ballaghaderreen, Swinford, Ballina and engagement with local landowners will continue in relation to this.
Michael Mahon, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: "I can confirm further assessments are ongoing to establish the best routing for the cable at Swinford and will continue to engage locally on options for this area.
"A planning application will now be prepared for submission directly to An Bord Pleanála. It is anticipated that the application will be submitted in early 2022."
The planning application will include environmental and ecological reports and local engagement will continue. If successful, the project would move into the construction phase in 2023.
A community forum will be set up to ensure that stakeholders and community views are understood and considered during project delivery. An information evening will be held on the 23 September via Zoom, to inform communities and stakeholders about the forum.
