Refurbish existing 43 no. electricity transmission towers along a c.

Application details

Planning reference

2460593

Council

Laois County Council

Proposal description

Refurbish existing 43 no. electricity transmission towers along a c. 7.3 km section (length) of the Coolnabacky – Portlaoise 110 kV overhead line (OHL). The total area to which the application relates is c.37 hectares. The development will consist of refurbishment works to the OHL. Refurbishment works will vary from each of the existing 43 no. existing electricity transmission towers and will comprise: (i) Replacement (“restringing”) of the existing overhead line conductor wires with a higher capacity conductor; (ii) Installation of a new fibre communication connection between existing wooden intermediate poleset (IMP) 118 to existing angle mast (AM) 145; (iii) Strengthening of 4 no. existing AMs and associated foundations; (iv) Replacement of 26 of the 37 no. existing IMPs with similar structures, except for existing IMP105 to be upgraded to AM (AM105). Replacements will be in situ or if required, immediately adjacent, and height will range from c. 0m to 2.7m higher, with no change in height in 19 no. existing IMPs and a maximal increase of c. 2.7m at existing IMP127; (v) Replacement of 1 no. AM (AM145) with a Line Cable Interface Mast (LCIM) and removal of 1 no. AM (AM146); (vi) Replacement of crossarms at 12 no. existing IMPs; (vii) Replacement of insulating and ancillary hardware at structures; (viii) All associated site development works along the overhead line including vegetation clearance and management, disassembly and reassembly of gate posts/piers and removal and reinstatement of existing fencing, painting, installation of identification and information labels/notices, and ancillary works within the existing Portlaoise substation, necessary to facilitate the refurbishment works of the overhead line; and, (ix) Other temporary associated and ancillary site development works required for the proposed refurbishment works including the provision of a construction compound located at either Kylekiproe or Esker, access routes, silt traps, silt fences, stone tracks, ground protection mats, infrastructure crossing support systems (e.g., guard poles and goal posts) and temporary watercourse crossings. Where required, an aerial catenary stringing system (ACSS) will be used to facilitate stringing operations over major obstacles (e.g., national roads, rivers, etc.). The planning application will be accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

Location / address

Meelick Money Upper Rathleague Hophall Ballymooney Money Lower Dysart Lamberton Demesne Derry Clonminam Powelstown Kylekiproe and Cappoley and Esker. , Co. Laois , N/A

Application type

PERMISSION

Received / registered

8 Oct 2024

Council decision

CONDITIONAL

Council decision date

2 Dec 2024

Appeal lodged

6 Jan 2025

Appeal decision date

23 May 2025

Planning timeline

Key dated milestones from the planning record.

1. Application received

   8 Oct 2024

2. Decision: CONDITIONAL

   2 Dec 2024

3. Appeal lodged

   6 Jan 2025

4. Appeal decided

   23 May 2025