Upgrade planned for overhead power lines from Athlone to Lanesboro

A bid by telecommunications company, Eirgrid, to uprate 35.7km of the existing overhead lines running between Athlone and Lanesboro in county Longford has been placed on hold by Roscommon County Council pending the receipt of further information on the project.

Eirgrid submitted a planning application in November for the proposed development which would see the replacement ('restringing') and uprating of the conductor along the existing Athlone-Lanesboro 110kV circuit; the provision of fibre communication connection on the uprated circuit and the replacement of 155 wooden poles with similar structures.

Other works planned as part of the uprating project include foundation strengthening of steel angle masts; replacement of signage; painting of angle masts; replacement/installation of anti-climbing guards; access tracks; vegetation clearance and all other necessary works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is included as part of the planning application.

The planning documents reveal that the replacement of the wooden poles will result in standardised heights from 16m to 23m along the circuit, with the majority of height increases less than two metres. However, it is proposed to increase the height of one pole by four metres.

The proposed works will begin at the Athlone 110kV substation in Monksland and will take in approximately 45 townslands along the route to Lanesboro.

In the request for further information, Roscommon County Council expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed project on the Lough Ree Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has asked the developers to submit a method statement for “removal, storage and reinstatement” of the material, soil and vegetation that will be stockpiled within the Lough Ree SAC.

They have also requested the submission of a revised habitat map which identifies the extent and location of all proposed excavation or habitat removal. “The revised maps shall detail the exact nature of works proposed within Lough Ree SAC and whether these works are temporary or permanent” the further information request states.

Also being sought from the developers is a Collision Risk Assessment which provides details on the current rate of collision between overhead lines and various species of birdfowl and the rate of collision “that is expected” as a result of the increase in the height of the structures.

The planning authority also sought further information in relation to the location of surface water bodies that will be culverted in order to facilitate the project.