The Government’s ‘Climate Action Plan 2024 - CAP 24’, prepared under the ‘Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015’, as amended, sets out key targets for the electricity sector, including a requirement to “accelerate renewable electricity generation in order to reach 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, through the expansion of onshore wind and solar energy generation, developing offshore renewable generation, and delivering additional grid infrastructure”. To achieve this target ‘CAP 24’ states: - “All relevant public bodies will carry out their functions in a manner which supports the achievement of the renewable electricity targets, including, but not limited to, the use of road and rail infrastructure to provide a route for grid infrastructure where this is the optimal solution.”
In recognition of the unique challenges presented by the accommodation of transmission network infrastructure in public roads a High Voltage Interface Forum was established with the following organisations representing the Electricity and Transport sectors: Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, EirGrid, ESB Networks, Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, County and City County Management Association working in conjunction with the Road Management Office.
A key output from the Forum is the "Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Development - Roads Sector Engagement Framework" The purpose of the ‘Engagement Framework ‘is to establish a clear and consistent engagement, consultation, and agreement protocols, between EirGrid, ESBN, and Road Authorities, for all EirGrid/ ESBN high voltage transmission network projects that have the potential to impact public roads.