The development of the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade has reached a key project milestone with the announcement of the best performing route option.

The Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade is a high capacity underground cable connecting Dunstown substation near Two Mile House in Co Kildare, and Woodland substation near Batterstown in Co Meath.

Following technical assessments and extensive public consultation, the project team has made refinements to the route announced in March in order to identify the best performing route option, and to identify where exactly the cable will be located.

The best performing route will avoid villages and the town centres of Kilcock, Clane, Prosperous and Sallins and will cross motorways, railways, canals and rivers.

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There have been refinements to the route following further engagement with stakeholders which has resulted in an increase of cable length from approximately 51km to 53km, with an off-road section of 8km.

While the route is longer, these changes will minimise effects to some landowners and communities and reduce the need for road closures.

Speaking about this latest project milestone, Chief Infrastructure Officer at EirGrid, Michael Mahon said: "EirGrid's key objective is to avoid impacts to communities where possible and this route was chosen as it is the least disruptive to communities, and has the earliest project completion date compared to previously proposed routes.

"We want to thank the public who continue to engage with the project team. Stakeholder feedback has been vital in determining the best performing route option.

"As we look towards submitting planning permission, it is possible that further refinements will be required, following further surveys, ground investigations, consultation, and assessments. We will continue to listen to communities to make sure everyone is informed at every step of this project."