​Curraghamulkin 110kV Renewables Cluster Project

The development proposal included the construction of a new 110/33kV cluster substation located approximately 300m north east of no. 166 Dooish Road, Drumquin, BT78 4RE; the construction of a new 110kV switching substation located approximately 500m north-north east of no. 110 Cavan Road, Dromore, BT78 3EY, and; the construction of approximately 8.6kms of 110kV overhead transmission line to connect the two substations.

ISSUES ENCOUNTERED

· Event organisation

· Media management

· Refusal recommended on basis of visual amenity

OUR INVOLVEMENT

Gravis managed an extensive statutory Pre-Application Community Consultation process which included the production of project materials, organisation and hosting of public events, political engagement and pro-active media relations. A comprehensive PACC report was drafted which was a thorough overview of all engagement undertaken and feedback received.

A significant team effort between SONI, Gravis Planning and a number of consultants involved in the project resulted in the successful overturning of the recommendation for refusal at the August 2016 planning committee meeting. Notably, this largely came from concentrated efforts to allay elected representatives concerns and the inclusion of further amendments in terms of additional planting to screen a substation.

Services: Strategic Communications