‘Small move’ of ESB transformer at Donegal Town’s ‘Diamond' could be €100k+

Even a small move for an ESB transformer on the Diamond in Donegal Town could cost in excess of €100,000, a recent workshop meeting between councillors of the Donegal Municipal District and representatives of the ESB revealed.

And a suggestion to place it underground was untenable “due to the potential of water ingress”.

All six councillors of the MD were present at the recent special workshop which took place with three ESB representatives.

It followed concerns previously raised by the same councillors regarding a proposed new transformer on the Diamond, which they said would be both unsightly and should be put underground.

Minutes of that meeting were circulated at the full April meeting of the Donegal MD.

The roads and transportation workshop that had been held previously was told that the ESB had advised them that the transformers needed to be upgraded, to meet the current power demand in the town and that the old transformers had been there for many years and were no longer fit for purpose.

“They also advised that if the existing unit goes down at any time that they will have no option other than to replace it immediately otherwise many premises around the town will have no power.

“The councillors were concerned about the size of the new transformers and the visual impact that they will have on the Diamond. It was also pointed out that the Council planned to carry out enhancement works on the Diamond, to enhance the public amenity space in the town centre and that these large units are taking away from this,” the minutes revealed.

A number of answers were supplied to the councillors which addressed a number of issues including whether a smaller transformer could be used, could it be lowered underground, moved to another location or whether the transformer could be disguised with a stone wall, painting or planting or even seating.

In reply the ESB representatives Barry McGowan, John Herron and Luke Gavigan said that while a transformer less high could be considered “it would take up a bigger area nad a new plinth would be provided for same and funding for the new plinth would need to be sourced from the Council”.

Transformers could not be lowered to an underground location “due to the potential for water ingress” (entryway).

As to whether the transformer could be relocated to another location, it was possible, “but a new location would need to be found and agreed, civil costs for new ducting to new location will need to be considered, a new plinth will be required, and cable splicing will be required as there is no slack in the existing cables”.

“The members were advised that even a small move could see costs in excess of €100,000 and this funding would need to be sourced.”

In the end it was agreed that the ESB would come back after considering options to soften the visual impact of the transformers themselves and to advise councillors on the cost of relocating the transformer closer to the existing wall.