Eirgrid has today announced plans to replace the proposed Grid West project with a smaller scale development.

The controversial Grid West project was first announced in 2012 to connect large amounts of renewable energy to the national electricity grid.

It would have involved a high-voltage circuit being developed from Moygownagh in north Mayo to Flagford in Co Roscommon, and the three options were for high voltage overhead power lines, underground cables, or a combination of both.

Communities across the region had expressed some concerns at the plans.

Now, due to the lower-than-expected amount of wind generation in the North Connacht region, the company is now abandoning plans for 220kv or 400kv power lines, and will instead connect renewable energy through 110 kv lines carried on poles.

Eirgrid says it will engage with landowners, communities and stakeholders in the region over the coming months.