The official turning of the sod for the CWPA planning led, €250 million Kilshane Energy Power Plant took place recently, marking the commencement of construction on one of Fingal’s most significant new energy infrastructure projects.
The event was led by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Transport, alongside Cllr. Tom O’Leary, Mayor of Fingal, and was attended by Kilshane Energy founder Michael Loughran, Project Lead Brian McMullan, and Joe Corr, Managing Director of Planning at CWPA.
The Kilshane Energy Power Plant, located in north Dublin, represents a major investment in energy infrastructure and will deliver up to approximately 293MW of flexible electricity generation capacity. The project is designed to enhance grid resilience, support renewable energy integration, and contribute significantly to national energy security objectives.
CWPA has acted as planning consultants on the project, providing strategic planning advice and securing planning permission for the development. The commencement of construction represents the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessment, and stakeholder engagement carried out over several years.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the progress of the project, noting its importance in strengthening Fingal’s electricity system and supporting economic growth in the region. Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, also highlighted the project’s role in delivering critical infrastructure while generating employment and investment locally.
Kilshane Energy founder Michael Loughran said the sod-turning marked an important milestone for the project team, as the development moves from planning into delivery. Project Lead Brian McMullan added that construction will now progress in line with programme timelines, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Joe Corr, Managing Director of Planning at CWPA, said:
“We are proud to have supported Kilshane Energy in bringing this strategically important project from concept through planning and into construction. The Kilshane Energy Power Plant is an innovative development that will play a key role in Ireland’s evolving energy landscape.”
The project involved a highly complex, multidisciplinary planning process. From an early stage, CWPA worked alongside infrastructure partners Waterman Moylan and in close consultation with Fingal County Council to coordinate the development with the planned realignment of Kilshane Road, a key transport improvement for the wider Ballycoolin–Blanchardstown corridor. In parallel, collaboration with landscape architecture specialist Rónán MacDiarmada ensured a strong focus on green infrastructure and biodiversity, with the landscaping strategy designed to deliver long-term environmental and visual benefits.
Following a two year construction period, Kilshane Energy Power Plant is expected to be operational in early 2028.