The ESB is to invest 90 million euros in Drogheda over the next five years to facilitate the housing needs of the town.
It also mean the area will have a future proofed electricity network that will last 30 years.
Details of the investment were given to local Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly at a meeting with Eoghan Judge ESB NorthEast Regional Manager and Alan Rossiter Head of Strategy and Network Development at ESB Networks, held in Drogheda today ( Friday).
The meeting was convened following Deputy Butterly’s ongoing engagement with ESB and came on foot of questions raised by her at a recent sitting of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, where she pressed for urgent updates on electricity capacity and connection issues affecting the greater Drogheda area.
Speaking after her discussions today with the ESB Deputy Butterly said “This was a very productive and positive meeting. I’m delighted that many of the issues I’ve been raising around connection delays and energy capacity are now being constructively addressed.
“Crucially, I welcome ESB’s confirmation that they are committing €90 million in investment over the next five years to support the housing needs of Drogheda and future-proof our electricity network for the next 30 years. This is a major boost for the town.”
ESB officials also reaffirmed their commitment — first made during their appearance at the Oireachtas Housing Committee — that works on the Drybridge substation will be completed within 18 months.
ESB management also confirmed that all EBS connection orders are on track and there is currently no backlog.
Deputy Butterly added:”This upgrade is vital and I’m particularly reassured to hear that there is sufficient capacity to ensure no delays to the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) project — a key piece of infrastructure for unlocking thousands of new homes.
” We can expect enabling works to begin in the coming weeks. It’s full steam ahead.”
Deputy Butterly credited the progress to ongoing cooperation among all relevant parties “This outcome reflects real partnership between local authorities, developers, ESB Networks and herself.
The TD concluded by stating they will continue to monitor progress closely and ensure Drogheda remains a priority in national infrastructure planning.
