EirGrid is to establish a new sponsorship fund for the Kilpaddoge-Knockanure electricity project in North Kerry. EirGrid has agreed to put in place a €205,000 fund in recognition of the support it has received from the local community during construction works for the project.
The project is an underground electricity cable linking the ESB substations at Kilpaddoge and Knockanure in North Kerry. It will facilitate increased amounts of renewable energy, allow for growth in demand from industry and domestic users and improve security of supply for the South West region. The 220 kV cable will run for 22 kilometres along the roads between Kilpaddoge near Tarbert and Knockanure through the village of Moyvane, the primary commercial hub for the area. ESB Networks has been managing the construction works for the past two years.
Michael Mahon, director of grid development and infrastructure at EirGrid, said: “The fund will support initiatives that deliver long-lasting benefit in the communities adjacent to the project. It will be administered to reflect the relative disruption experienced along the cable route during the works.”
The Kilpaddoge, Moyvane, Knockanure Sponsorship Fund will be administered on behalf of EirGrid by an independent third party organisation that will be appointed early next year. It will be formally launched by EirGrid early in 2020 and applications will be sought under the following themes – community infrastructure, education and sustainability. Full details on how to apply will be made available at that time.
Applications will be independently assessed, with the successful projects subsequently ratified by EirGrid. It is anticipated that the fund will be distributed to successful applicants next summer. The fund supplements a previous award to the Moyvane Development Association.
