Going underground in Eryri

Cymdeithas Eryri has followed this project from the start.  When complete it will transform the landscape, changing the way we see this special part of the National Park.  There is a huge amount of work between now and then.  As part of the Community Liaison Group and in our wider work we will be helping to make sure the project delivers as many positives as possible for the local area while work progresses. 

National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project in the Eryri National Park aims to transform the views across the Dwyryd Estuary between Penrhyndeudraeth and Llandecwyn by removing existing overhead electricity line and replacing it with electricity cables buried in a new tunnel underground.

Dwyryd Estuary after the pylons have been removed

Preparatory work began in February this year to remove ten pylons and around 3 kilometres of overhead electricity line. 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.

The pylons which cross the estuary will be replaced with cables buried underground. 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.

Two public information drop-in events will be taking place in December, where local people and businesses can meet the National Grid and Hochtief UK team working on the project and learn more about the construction programme. 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), Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6LR

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 and is now coming forward to reinvigorate this stunning landscape.

Please do drop into the events and to meet the project team, who will be working in the community over the coming years, bringing many benefits locally.

You can find out more via the project’s website (nationalgrid.com/eryrivip) which includes more information on the project, all the latest news and events and next steps.