ESB's Network Renewal - where & when?

April 2004

Ireland's electricity network is undergoing a major refurbishment program. The cost of this work program is estimated to be €3 billion.

One of the major projects within this program is the medium voltage Network Renewal Project. This project will see all of Ireland's medium voltage overhead electricity network either completely upgraded or refurbished so that there is a secure, high quality supply of adequate capacity for existing and future expected loads. The work is being carried out by ESB Networks using external contractors in a number of areas.

ESB now has a facility to allow the public to view these network maps on their website. ESBI Computing has developed a web GIS Internet application on behalf of ESB, which allows users to view ESB's proposed network renewal programme at local level. This mapping application incorporates a user-friendly web interface with some basic GIS tools including Zoom, Recentre and Distance Measuring Tools. The maps detail when work should be happening on certain lines and also gives an indication of the extent of the projects in specific areas. Obviously load growth, network reconfiguration or other factors could give rise to changes in the conversion program, but overall the plan reflects the extent of the overall program nationally.

ESBI Computing used MapInfo MapXtreme in developing the site. It is a simple, intuitive application with which users can interact.

More Information :
Adrienne Eacrett,
Manager GeoBusiness Solutions,
ESBI Computing
adrienne.eacrett@esbi.ie
Tel : +353-1-7038474