EirGrid has awarded €103,675 to six community groups and not-for-profit organisations near the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project.
This is the first of three phases of funding available in the areas adjacent to the project of a total fund of €511,500 – with a further €100,000 going to similar groups in Kilkenny.
The Laois-Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund was established by EirGrid.
They say this is to ‘recognise the important part local communities play in the development of the electricity grid, the impact works can have on communities, and to ensure funds benefit groups and projects in these areas’.
Groups and not-for-profit organisations in communities adjacent (within 3km) to the line were given priority in the allocation of funding by an independent fund administrator, with successful groups from Spink, Ballyroan and Ballinakill in Laois, and Ballyragget and Ballyouskill in Kilkenny.
Speaking about the awarding of the first phase of funding, EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: “We were delighted with the positive response from communities and would like to thank each group and organisation who took the time to submit a funding application.
“We would also like to thank the Laois Kilkenny Community Forum members who worked with EirGrid and the independent fund administrator in establishing and opening the fund.
“As works progress to ensure people have a reliable, high-quality standard of electricity supply, the Laois Kilkenny Community Forum will continue to provide an integral role in providing feedback to the project team.
“We will also continue to liaise with and listen to landowners and stakeholders in the area and look forward to the projects and initiatives that will come from communities as part of the next two phases of our community benefit fund.”
The first phase of funding will help active community groups in continuing to expand efforts, support the development of community spaces and sporting facilities, along with supports for older and younger persons in the areas.
The issue of the development from which these funds have resulted from has been extremely contentious in Laois.
The substation is proposed to be constructed on 20-acre site at Coolnabacca – but a community group in Ratheniska have been campaigning for 12 years against the Eirgrid and ESB-led project.
EirGrid’s Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project plans to take electricity from the 400kv electrical line that travels from Moneypoint in Clare to the greater Dublin area and diverting power to the Kilkenny region.
According to EirGrid, they have identified problems that affect quality and security of electricity supply in Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois.
They say that existing increases in demand for electricity have caused these problems and are of the opinion that projected growth in demand will further worsen the situation.
To resolve these issues, EirGrid proposed the Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement scheme as a solution. They state that the Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement scheme will address the concerns on the network in the local area. In particular, it ensures that the system can comply with the grid’s technical standards.
The project has been before An Bord Pleanála and the High Court, both of which approved the project – with planning permission officially granted in 2015.
RTS’ main concern centres on what they believe to be a possible contamination to a water aquifer near the site – something An Board Pleanala says has been assessed through an environmental impact statement where it was found that the substation would not pose a danger.
Their second concern is that the substation may be used to create a wind farm hub in area.
Community Group / Organisation
Spink Tidy Towns – €7,650
Spink Comhaltas – €17,300
Ballyroan Blue Stars Basketball Club – €875
Ballinakill Community Development Association- €40,500
Spink Community Development Association – €22,500
Ballinakill GAA Club – €14,850
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