We support competition in energy; promote economic growth; facilitate renewable energy; and provide essential services. We also develop new electricity infrastructure when required.

The whole community benefits when we develop the power grid in a region. But we also understand that grid development can only happen when we work closely with local communities, farmers and landowners.

We have worked extremely hard to improve our relationships with communities all over Ireland directly impacted by new grid projects. That is why we have moved to a more community-focused approach when developing electricity projects - to enable greater stakeholder participation from the outset. We have changed the culture and processes in our organisation to develop stronger relationships with communities.

We have appointed agricultural and community liaison officers, developed a consultation handbook and toolkit, and are committed to making the information we give to members of the public much more accessible. Our agricultural and community liaison officers are out meeting local residents on a daily basis, discussing EirGrid’s grid development plans, answering questions and collecting feedback from the people who live and work near planned projects.

We have also developed a community gain initiative which is comprised of two elements-a fund for localities and a fund for residences located close to new pylons and stations. Under the Local Community Fund we will contribute €40,000 per kilometre for communities in proximity to new 400 kV pylons and new rural stations and converter stations. The Proximity Fund is a once-off payment but it is made in two stages - the first stage is at start of construction and the second after energisation. These payments are made to owners of occupied residential properties (or those with full planning permission) within 200 metres from the closest point of the property to the centre of the new 400 kV lines or within 200 metres from a new rural station or converter station.

In April 2016, we unveiled our first community fund, the Mullingar to Kinnegad 110 kV project which is valued at €360,000. To ensure the fund reaches communities closest to the new line, projects seeking funding must be located within 3 km of the new line. The projects that have been successful will be announced in October 2016. Further community payment funds will be launched by EirGrid in the coming months.

The EirGrid Agricultural Liaison officers will be on the ground at the National Ploughing Championships this year to answer all your questions. Come and see us at our stand in Block 4, Row 20, Stand 484 where we will be happy to discuss any queries that you may have.