Communities across south and south west Cork are to benefit from a major upgrade of over 20km of medium voltage lines, according to ESB Networks.
COMMUNITIES across south and south west Cork are to benefit from a major upgrade of over 20km of medium voltage lines, according to ESB Networks.
‘It is expected that a more resilient and energy efficient network in the area will help local businesses grow and attract inward investment,’ the ESB said in a statement.
The work, which began last January, involved the upgrading or replacement of 460 transformers and was completed on schedule last Friday, October 16th.
Townlands standing to gain from the infrastructure include Carrigaline, Kinsale, Ballinhassig, Ballygarvan, Belgooly, Riverstick and Halfway.
Over 60 ESB Networks staff, hailing from Bandon, Dunmanway and Cork city, were involved in the work, which has converted medium voltage lines from 10,000 volts to 20,000 volts.
Commenting on the programme, Denis Cambridge, ESB Networks divisional manager said the work further builds on the significant spend in the areas of network automation and consolidation over the last ten years. ‘The improved resilience of our network will mean fewer outages for our customers and a reduction in system losses which cuts down significantly on our carbon footprint,’ he said.
‘The work completed will also support the growth of the local economy by facilitating the establishment of new start-ups and expansions as they are identified and supported by the local development agencies.’
Mr Cambridge said that the smooth upgrade can be attributed to the co-operation crews received from local communities.
‘On behalf of ESB Networks, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks our customers in the area – and local landowners in particular – impacted during this major project. Their cooperation has been most appreciated,’ he added.
