EirGrid specialist Sarah Murphy helps safely connect new transmission projects as the grid operator sets out an €18.9bn plan to 2030 and expands its workforce.

As Ireland modernises its electricity system, Galway native Sarah Murphy is among those turning ambitions into reality by helping deliver the infrastructure that will power homes, businesses and communities for decades.

Murphy, a Senior Technical Specialist at EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, is central to the safe integration of new transmission assets onto the network, supporting the move to cleaner, more sustainable energy.

"Electricity underpins more and more of how we live and work, from heating our homes and powering transport to supporting businesses and industry," Murphy said.

"Our job is to ensure the grid can meet those changing needs while continuing to provide the safe, secure and reliable electricity supply that people depend on every day."

Originally from Kinvara, Murphy entered the industry through an electrical apprenticeship with ESB Networks rather than pursuing the traditional university path.

"I've always been drawn to the practical side of the industry. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn how electrical networks operate while gaining hands-on experience working directly on the system."

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Now part of EirGrid's energisation instruction team, she develops the detailed operational procedures required to safely energise new or modified transmission infrastructure and bring it onto the live system.

"My role involves reviewing electrical drawings, technical information and project documentation to understand how new equipment interfaces with the existing transmission system," she explained.

"From there, I develop the operational steps and switching sequences needed to safely energise that infrastructure and bring it into service. There is a lot of responsibility involved, but it is also very rewarding to see infrastructure that you have worked on successfully energised and contributing to the grid."

The importance of this work is growing as EirGrid prepares a significant programme of investment across the electricity network to meet rising demand, enable regional growth and accelerate the shift to renewable energy.

Under its recently launched Group Strategy 2026, EirGrid plans to invest €18.9 billion in transforming Ireland’s transmission system by 2030 — the largest programme of grid development ever undertaken in the State.

The strategy prioritises a secure and resilient electricity system while delivering grid infrastructure at pace and scale, unlocking higher levels of renewable generation and supporting Ireland’s long-term energy independence.

For Murphy, the strategy is about more than pylons and substations; it is about laying the groundwork for future prosperity in regions such as Galway.

"My own career shows there are many different pathways into the energy industry," she said.

"What excites me most about EirGrid's strategy is the scale of ambition and the opportunity to contribute to projects that will have a lasting impact. We're seeing an enormous transformation across the electricity sector."

As part of the plan, EirGrid will grow its workforce to more than 2,000 people over the coming years to deliver major projects nationwide, including initiatives to reinforce the grid across the west of Ireland.

"The work we're doing today isn't just about building electricity infrastructure. It's about supporting new homes, economic growth, regional development and Ireland's transition to a cleaner energy future. Knowing that the projects I work on will help power communities for generations to come is something I'm very proud of."