EirGrid Mullingar project runs to Kinnegad

EirGrid has launched a €360,000 Community Fund for its Mullingar Reinforcement electricity project. The project is a 25 km 110 kV transmission line running between Mullingar, County Westmeath and Killaskillen, County Meath.

This is the first fund of its kind that EirGrid, the state electricity transmission system operator, has launched. It will be administered by the Community Foundation for Ireland, a not-for-profit community organisation that will manage applications to the fund for between €10,000 and €50,000; and Westmeath County Council, which will manage applications for up to €10,000. Westmeath County Council will also act on behalf of Meath County Council, as 2km of the route is in Meath.

To ensure the fund reaches communities closest to the new line, projects seeking funding must be located within 2.5 to 3 km of the new line. The boundary was agreed by all parties to the fund; EirGrid, the Community Foundation for Ireland, Westmeath and Meath County Councils.

Community organisations are now invited to apply for funds for projects that will have positive social impacts in the area. Funding will be granted to charities, community and voluntary organisations that operate near the line. The fund is open for applications until Friday May 20th – visit http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/news and http://www.foundation.ie/eirgrid for details of how to apply.

Fintan Slye, Chief Executive, EirGrid, said: “EirGrid is responsible for a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity. Our grid powers the transmission network, supplying the electricity people use every day in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms.

“When we develop or expand our grid, this work will affect communities near new transmission lines. This is why we developed our new fund, which recognises the importance of local communities.”

“I am also delighted to launch the EirGrid mobile information unit today, with the help of one of Mullingar’s finest, Niall Breslin,” continued Fintan Slye. “This is an important initiative for EirGrid as it will enable us talk to people throughout the country about our plans for the electricity grid.”

Councillor Andrew Duncan, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council said: “We welcome the introduction of this fund by EirGrid and are especially pleased that the Mullingar Reinforcement project is the first to benefit from an EirGrid Community Fund. We know there are many worthy community organisations along the route that are constantly looking for new ways to enhance the wonderful services they provide.”

Jackie Harrison, Head of Development, Community Foundation for Ireland, said: “We are delighted to assist EirGrid with the allocation of this important fund to deserving community groups in Westmeath and Meath. We will be responsible for applications of up to €50,000 and we encourage as many community organisations as possible to come forward and use this funding to enhance their activities and services. We look forward to engaging with as many people as possible during this process.”