Strategic upgrades at the Woodford 38 kV Station by ESB Networks are enhancing network capacity for housing and economic growth in County Kerry
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
ESB Networks has reached an important milestone at the Woodford 38 kV Station, located in Killarney, Co. Kerry, with the successful completion and energisation of the second of two new 18.75 MVA upgraded transformers.
Now fully commissioned, the upgrade is delivering a total of 17.5 MVA of additional installed transformer capacity, supporting growing demand across Kerry while enabling residential, commercial, and industrial development.
To put this in context, this upgrade provides enough additional installed transformer capacity to support approximately 4,500 homes, including facilitating the electrification of heating and transport.
Alan Rossiter, Head of Strategy and Network Development, ESB Networks added:
“This upgrade at the Woodford 38 kV Station has delivered 17.5 MVA of additional installed transformer capacity for Killarney and the wider Kerry region, helping to support new homes, business growth and the continued development of local communities.”
“Through targeted strategic interventions, ESB Networks is working to ensure the electricity network can keep pace with Kerry’s housing needs while also supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
“By increasing the capacity of the existing network, ESB Networks is enabling customers to connect sooner, while also preparing the network to support increasing electrification, including heat pumps and electric vehicles as Ireland progresses its climate ambitions.”
These works form part of ESB Networks’ wider programme of investments under Price Review 6 (PR6), to strengthen and build out the electricity network across the country, ensuring it can meet increasing demand while supporting Ireland’s housing and climate ambitions.
ENDS/
Notes to Editor:
- Woodford 38 kV Station is located on the outskirts of Killarney, Co. Kerry.
- The station has been uprated from 2 × 10 MVA transformers to 2 × 18.75 MVA transformers.
- The second transformer was energisedQ22026.
- The upgrade delivers an additional increase of17.5 MVA installed transformer capacity.
- A 17.5 MVA increase ininstalled transformer capacity supportsapproximately 4,500 homes; accommodating electrification of heating and transport requirements and allowing for diversification (calculation is indicative, actual electricity usage will vary by household behaviour and technology adoption.)
- MVA (megavolt amperes) describes the capacity of the electricity network. The higher the MVA rating, the more power can be carried, allowing more homes, businesses, and technologies to be supplied at the same time in a geographic area.
- This project forms part of ESB Networks’ Price Review 6 (PR6), a five-year investment programme, which focuses on optimising existing infrastructure and delivering targeted upgrades to support housing, economic development, and electrification.
- ESB Networks is responsible for building, maintaining and operating the electricity network that supplies homes, farms, and businesses across Ireland.