A €4 billion boost for Ireland's electricity transmission network will result in capacity being doubled by the year 2025.
The network operator, EirGrid, said the plan would drive renewable energy, support balanced regional development and also create jobs. But the construction of new overhead transmission lines will be controversial.
Ireland has 6,000 kilometres of overhead transmission lines, but electricity demand is projected to grow by 60% in just over a decade.
EirGrid says that with wind power also playing an increasing role in electricity generation, the grid has to change.
More than 4,000km of transmission lines are to be upgraded, while more than 1,000km of new lines are to be constructed.
Constructing new pylons is controversial and some campaigners, like North East Pylon Pressure, argue the transmission lines should be buried.
But EirGrid says all decisions will be subject to planning, and maintains health will not be affected.
Electricity consumers will have to pick up the €4 billion tab through small year-on-year increases in their bills.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan says the changes will actually result in overall savings as the revitalised grid will be able to access cheaper electricity.
