The Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade has taken a key step forward with the announcement of the emerging best performing route option.

A high-capacity underground cable connecting Dunstown substation near Two Mile House in Kildare and Woodland substation near Batterstown in Meath, the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade was shaped by the EirGrid team as they evaluated four possible routes and carried out a range of assessments to determine advantages and disadvantages of each route.

Following an extensive 12-week consultation across Kildare and Meath, building on previous engagement, during which EirGrid listened and engaged with communities, stakeholders, businesses and landowners on the four proposed routes, Option A (the Red Option) has been identified as the emerging best performing route option.

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The route is the most westerly of the shortlisted cable route options and is approximately 51km in length, with an estimated off-road section of six kilometres.

It will require the crossing of waterways, railway lines, and motorways including the M7 and M4, where potential off-road sections are still under consideration. EirGrid agricultural liaison officers will be engaging directly with landowners in this regard.

Speaking about the emerging route option, EirGrid's Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: "We have identified this option after extensive engagement with the public, stakeholders and communities. We will be carrying out further analysis, including technical and environmental considerations and will continue to work with and listen to the public in order to establish a final route.

"In the coming months our team will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about the project and final route selection. I want to thank all those who have proactively engaged with us to date."

The Kildare Meath Grid Upgrade will help to more effectively transfer power to the east of the country and distribute it within the electricity network in Meath, Kildare and surrounding counties. It will also help to facilitate the integration of renewable energy on the grid by strengthening the network and help meet the growing demand for electricity in the east.