Residents of Talsarnau, Llandecwyn, Penrhyndeudraeth and Minffordd are being invited to meet members of the National Grid and Hochtief UK project team set to transform the landscape in a unique section of the Eryri National Park.
Preparatory work began in February this year to remove ten pylons and around 3 kilometres of overheard electricity line, as part of National Grid’s major project to transform views across the Dwyryd Estuary. To date the work has focused on key surveys and site preparation as well as detailed design, but the project will become much more visible in the community from the start of next year.
Two public information drop-in events are taking place in December, where local people and businesses can meet the team and learn more about the project. The events are scheduled to take place on:
- Thursday 8 December, 4pm-8pm: Neuadd Gymuned (Community Hall) Talsarnau, LL47 6TA
- Saturday 10 December, 12pm-4pm: Y Neuadd Goffa (Memorial Hall), Pernhyndeudraeth, LL48 6LR
The pylons which cross the estuary will be replaced with cables buried underground as part of National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project*, which is a national programme to reduce the visual impact of existing high voltage power lines in protected areas across England and Wales.
The complex engineering programme will also see the building of a tunnel to house the electricity cables deep underneath the Dwyryd Estuary and two new tunnel headhouses at Garth and Llandecwyn.
Steve Ellison, Senior Project Manager, National Grid said:
“Throughout the year we have been putting key foundations in place that will allow us to hit the ground running when we begin shaft construction early in the new year. We’ll be working in the community and with local stakeholders for a number of years, and we now want to invite local people to meet the team and find out what to expect.
“We have been working closely with the community and stakeholders including the Eryri National Park Authority, Gwynedd Council, Natural Resources Wales and many more each step of the way, to refine our plans for the benefit of the local community and the area’s many visitors. At our public events my team will be on hand to talk you through the detail of the plans and answer any questions you may have.”
Jonathan Cawley, Director of Planning & Land Management, Eryri National Park Authority added:
“National Grid has developed this major project with input and guidance from stakeholders and the community. It’s been a long time in the planning but it’s great to see it coming forward to reinvigorate this stunning landscape.
“I’d encourage everyone who can to drop into the events and meet the project team, who will be working in the community over the coming years and bringing many benefits to our local businesses.”
Construction work in 2023 will begin with a programme of shaft sinking, tunnel and head house construction, cable installation and commissioning, followed by pylons and overhead line due for removal in 2029.
