A joint venture of AtkinsRéalis and Mace Consult has been selected to improve Ireland’s electricity transmission system.

The firms have been appointed by EirGrid – Ireland’s transmission system operator - to take a leading role on its new ENQEIR885 Engineering Design, Planning and Project Management Framework.

The framework and the associated projects is designed to enhance the efficiency and certainty of infrastructure delivery across Ireland’s electricity transmission system. It will play a critical role in enabling the movement of electricity from generation sources to end users, ensuring the resilience, security and sustainability of Ireland’s energy system.

AtkinsRéalis and Mace have been appointed to the five-year framework and formed the joint venture to meet EirGrid’s requirement for a single-entity delivery.

Mace will lead on project and programme management, risk management, planning/scheduling and commercial services, while AtkinsRéalis will provide detailed engineering, environmental, sustainability, stakeholder management, technical assurance and planning/consenting consultancy services.

Together, the team brings a strong track record of delivery under existing EirGrid frameworks, having played a central role in major grid development and customer connection projects. AtkinsRéalis and Mace are also separately actively supporting EirGrid’s offshore programme, contributing to the consenting and connection of key offshore renewable energy projects.

Martina Finn, managing director for AtkinsRéalis Ireland, said: “Developing the vital infrastructure necessary to reinforce the network to harness the benefits of renewable energy is essential for Ireland’s energy transition and for the projected growth in transport, housing and utilities needed to meet the demands of increasing population and business growth.

“This programme of work will be transformational in meeting that demand and is another example where AtkinsRéalis is taking a key role in the development and delivery of large-scale energy infrastructure projects in Ireland, alongside our partners Mace.”

Frank Randles, country director for Ireland at Mace Consult, added: “This appointment is a testament to the strength of our joint venture and the longstanding relationships that have been built with EirGrid.

“It means we can hit the ground running, delivering leading-edge consultancy services that will enable more effective delivery of infrastructure that will power Ireland’s future, accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, and have a lasting positive impact for people across the entire nation.”