On Monday 9th May The North West Chamber of Commerce Initiative hosted Dermot Byrne (the new CEO designate of Eirgrid )and a team of his senior executives , together with other interested parties for an information evening on electricity requirements and planned developments in the N West.

Eirgrid is the new state owned company which will assume responsibility for managing the countrys power line network , while responsibility for the generation and supply of electricity will be retained by the ESB.

During the course of the evening wide ranging discussions took place , covering topics such as existing power networks , proposed new developments , future electricity requirements and cross border issues ( Including further integration of North/south electricity networks & the role of the new gas station in Coolkeeragh ).

Eirgrid proposes to invest up to Eu 2 Billion in network improvements, and some discussion took place on the impact of these improvements in the North West. The shortcomings in current supply networks were outlined in some detail and options to improve the service were discussed.

Potential difficulties regarding proposed solutions were discussed and it was accepted by Eirgrid that previous submissions had not fully taken into account some of the relevant local factors. To this end Eirgrid proposed a series of public consultations before any application is made and the NWCCI urge all interested parties to attend such meetings and consult with Eirgrid to ensure the very necessary improvements in our electricity supply network can be made in the most appropriate form.

Mr Niall Birth istle Chairman of NWCCI has urged all interested parties to come together to ensure that a satisfactory solution can be found to the supply problems facing the region and has pointed out that a robust electrical supply is an essential piece of infrastructure for development of the region.