Ireland's electricity transmission system operator EirGrid has launched its Group Strategy 2026, committing €18.9 billion to modernise and expand the national electricity transmission network by 2030 across 29 priority infrastructure projects, as reported by Mayo Live.

The strategy was launched by Minister for Energy Timmy Dooley and is structured around four priorities: maintaining a secure electricity supply, expanding grid infrastructure to support growth, enabling higher levels of renewable energy, and developing offshore wind and international electricity interconnection.

Among the 29 priority projects, the North Connacht 110kV development is already under construction. The project involves the installation of a new underground electricity cable linking Ballina, Co. Mayo, and Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, delivered by EirGrid's delivery partner ESB. Once completed, it will increase electricity capacity across the region and supply enough power for approximately 150,000 homes.

EirGrid chief executive Cathal Marley said: "We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland and for Mayo. While electricity demand is increasing at pace due to population and economic growth and the electrification of society, there is huge growth in renewable generation. A modern fit-for-purpose grid opens the country up to more possibilities. And the North Connacht 110kV project will support the development of the grid of the future, one that supports regional development, housing and economic growth."

Marley added that EirGrid's ambition is to build and operate a grid capable of powering Ireland's future, stating: "By delivering infrastructure at pace and at scale, we are not only supporting the energy transition, we are also supporting long-term social and economic progress in communities across Mayo."

To deliver the programme, EirGrid plans to continue expanding its workforce. The organisation has grown from around 500 employees to 1,500 over the past five years and expects to employ more than 2,000 people during the lifetime of the strategy.

The €18.9 billion programme represents a substantial increase in grid capital investment and reflects the scale of infrastructure required to meet Ireland's 2030 renewable energy and climate targets. Demand for electricity is rising due to population growth, the electrification of heat and transport, and the continued expansion of data centre capacity across the country.

EirGrid said community engagement will remain a key focus as major infrastructure projects progress across Mayo and the wider West, with the organisation continuing to work with government, regulators, industry and local communities throughout delivery.