EirGrid Group's Corporate Strategy 2026 was launched in Cork on 26 June by Minister of State Timmy Dooley, outlining a roadmap to deliver a secure, clean and affordable electricity system while underpinning Ireland's economic growth and low-carbon transition.

Cork and the wider southern region are positioned at the heart of the plan. EirGrid said it is advancing several nationally significant projects in the area and will continue to expand its office presence and grow its workforce locally as the strategy is implemented.

The announcement comes as Ireland's energy transition gathers pace amid rising electricity demand and increasing system complexity. The strategy is framed around "powering up" the grid to meet future needs, balancing today's operations with building tomorrow's system.

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries, and at the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy with special responsibility for the Marine, said: "EirGrid Group's Corporate Strategy 2026 is a vital step in delivering Ireland's energy transition. Working in partnership with Government, this strategy will support a record €18.9 billion investment in strengthening and expanding our electricity grid. Cork and the southern region are key in this and it's positive to see continued progress on offshore wind and the Celtic Interconnector.

"This will ensure we can meet growing demand, integrate renewable energy and maintain a secure and resilient electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and regional development."

The plan is structured around four pillars: Keeping Ireland Powered, to ensure a safe, secure and resilient system around the clock; Building the Backbone – A Grid for Growth, to deliver infrastructure at pace and scale for balanced growth; Transforming for Clean Energy, to enable far higher levels of renewables and a more flexible power system; and Unlocking New Frontiers – Offshore and Interconnection, to advance offshore wind and interconnection for long-term energy independence.

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Brendan Tuohy, Chairman of EirGrid's Board, said: "Electricity is no longer simply one part of the economy, it is becoming the foundation of society, and this strategy sets out how EirGrid will play its part."

Chief executive Cathal Marley said the purpose of the strategy is to "power up" the grid for a clean energy future. He added: "Our purpose as outlined in this strategy is powering up Ireland's electricity grid for a clean energy future. This means ensuring a secure and resilient electricity system balancing supply and demand in a complex and fast-changing environment, while managing the transition to a future where every home, business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity.

"All of this will require an unprecedented programme of grid upgrades, reinforcements and new infrastructure right across the country so that clean electricity produced from renewables can be reliably brought to where it's needed."

A major programme of reinforcement and expansion across the network is set out, designed to move renewable electricity efficiently to where it is needed. In the south, flagship schemes include the Celtic Interconnector and the Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme, which EirGrid says demonstrate delivery against its strategic priorities.

The Celtic Interconnector — a 575km subsea cable linking Ireland with France via east Cork — is being developed with Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTÉ), the French transmission system operator. One of the longest interconnection projects in Europe, it is expected to strengthen Ireland's energy security and facilitate electricity exchange with continental Europe. In parallel, investment in offshore transmission infrastructure will support connecting large-scale offshore wind along the south and east coasts.

EirGrid says these developments will stimulate economic activity in the region, strengthening supply chains, enhancing competitiveness and supporting regional growth. The strategy also confirms EirGrid's expanded role in offshore transmission, aligned with Ireland's ambition to harness offshore wind potential.

In support of the Government target of 80% of electricity from renewable sources in the coming years, the grid will need to connect 9 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind. The plan highlights people and skills, digital innovation, strong financial foundations, and meaningful customer and stakeholder engagement as critical enablers to manage the scale and complexity of the transition and to deliver balanced economic growth.

Marley added: "Cork and the wider southern region are central to delivering Ireland's energy transition. Our presence here allows us to work closely with Government, regulators, local communities, industry and research institutions, ensuring we build infrastructure that meets both national objectives and regional needs."