An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to EirGrid for the development of its East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade.
The project will involve the installation of a high-capacity 400 kilovolt underground electricity cable between EirGrid's Woodland substation, near Batterstown in Co Meath, and its Belcamp substation, near Clonshaugh in north Dublin.
The decision by An Bord Pleanála follows a period of consultation between EirGrid and the communities and stakeholders in the project area.
The decision is also subject to a number of conditions, some of which ABP said it included in the interests of environmental protection and public safety.
EirGrid, the operator of national grid, has said the upgrade will strengthen the electricity grid in the east of Meath and the north of Dublin to improve the transfer of power across the existing transmission network.
It added that this work will help meet the increased electricity demand in the region, supporting business growth, housing and the electrification of heat and transport.
Along with this, EirGrid said the upgrade will also help make the grid renewable ready, assisting in achieving 80% of the country's electricity being generated from renewable sources.
In a statement, EirGrid's Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: "We welcome the planning approval by An Bord Pleanála, subject to conditions, for this key infrastructure project.
"This project will help to support a growing population and ensure businesses can prosper and grow, supported by a more resilient grid.
"I would like to thank the East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade Community Forum for their invaluable input in helping to ensure stakeholders and community views are voiced and understood.
"We look forward to continuing to engage with the community forum and communities in the region as we progress this project," he said.
