221030

to refurbish the existing Castlebar-Cloon 110kV overhead line, which is approximately 57km long, and comprises 252no. wooden polesets and 40no. steel angle masts between the existing Castlebar 110kV substation in County Mayo, and the existing Cloon 110kV substation in County Galway. Approximately 20km of the existing circuit is located within the functional area of Galway County Council and approximately 37km in the functional area of Mayo County Council.The proposed uprate development is located in the townlands of Belmont, Carrownageeha, Carrownurlaur, Cloonascragh (Kilbennan), Cloonascragh (Tuam), Cloondarone, Cloonfush, Cloontooa, Kilcreevanty, Killeelaun, Kilmore, Lehid, Liskeevy, Mullagh, Pollacorragune, and Woodquay in County Galway.The works will include:• the replacement (“restringing”) of the existing overhead line circuit conductor and wires with a new higher capacity conductor including installation of a new fibre communication connection; • the replacement of the existing earthwire, including bonding leads, earth leads and vibration dampers; • the replacement of 53no. wooden polesets and 39no. steel masts; • the replacement of hardware, fittings and insulators; • the replacement of crossarms at 50no. wooden polesets and the realignment of crossarms at a further 5no. wooden polesets; • all associated site development works, including foundation upgrade works; • all associated works within the Castlebar 110kV substation and Cloon 110kV substation to accommodate the uprated 110kV overhead line including uprating of the Castlebar bay in Cloon 110kV substation and the Cloon bay in Castlebar 110kV substation; • the replacement of approximately 175m of underground cable at the Castlebar 110kV substation; • all associated temporary site development works to gain access to the existing Structures; and • other temporary associated and ancillary development works required for the purpose of the uprate of the existing circuit. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.