EirGrid plans to upgrade overhead lines in Longford and Roscommon

Plans to upgrade the electricity cabling between Sliabh Bawn and Lanesboro have been submitted to Longford County Council.

EirGrid PLC made the application in their role as the overseer of the operation and maintenance of Ireland’s national electrical transmission system.

They say the plans allow for the essential maintenance programme to undertake uprate works on the existing Lanesboro – Sliabh Bawn 110kV overhead line. Analysis carried out by EirGrid has found that the rating of the circuit is not adequate for future needs in the area.

The line is around 9.5km in length and runs from the existing Lanesboro Substation in Longford in a general northerly direction to Sliabh Bawn Substation in Sliabh Bawn.

EirGrid say the proposed development in Longford will see the replacement of the existing overhead line circuit conductor wires with a new higher capacity conductor including installation of a new fibre communication connection.

EirGrid's application also seeks to secure permission for the retention and refurbishment, steel member replacement, painting and foundation strengthening of the one retained end mast EM1, including the replacement of hardware and fittings, replacement of vibration dampers, and replacement of insulators at EM1.

The plans will require the cutting of timber and vegetation to accommodate the work. The application covers all associated works within the existing Lanesboro 110kV substation to accommodate the uprated 110kV OHL including uprating of the Sliabh Bawn bay in Lanesboro 110kV substation and alterations to existing hardware.

EirGrid say that other temporary associated and ancillary site development works required for the purpose of the uprate of the existing circuit, including construction compounds, silt traps, silt fences, stone tracks, ground protection mats, infrastructure crossing support systems and temporary watercourse crossings are also part of the plans.

The areas defined in the application are Lanesboro and Aghamore Townland, Longford.