ESB Networks is finalising a major capacity enhancement at its Pallas 38 kV Station in Portlaoise, Co Laois, to meet rising electricity demand and underpin residential and economic development in the region.

The project replaces two 5 MVA transformers with two 10 MVA units, doubling the station's capacity for households, businesses and local industry in the wider Portlaoise area. Once commissioned, the works will deliver an additional 10 MVA of installed transformer capacity — sufficient to accommodate approximately 2,500 homes and to facilitate the transition to electric heating and vehicles.

James Finn, Capacity Deployment Manager, ESB Networks, said: "This upgrade at the Pallas 38 kV Station is an important step in accelerating additional capacity for Portlaoise and the wider region, helping to support new homes, business growth and the continued development of local communities.

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"By increasing the capacity of the existing network, through targeted strategic interventions, ESB Networks is enabling customers to connect sooner, while also preparing the system to support increasing electrification, including heat pumps and electric vehicles as Ireland progresses with its climate ambitions."

The Pallas project is part of ESB Networks' PR6 investment programme to reinforce and expand the electricity network nationwide so it can meet growing demand while supporting Ireland's housing and climate objectives.

In a separate Portlaoise upgrade, ESB Networks recently uprated two 31.5 MVA transformers to 63 MVA at the Portlaoise 110 kV Station, doubling capacity there and enabling new customer connections for homes, businesses and farms.

Earlier this summer, the company also energised a new 110 kV station at Bracklone, near Portarlington — the first of 30 new 110 kV substations planned under PR6 — benefiting approximately 13,000 customers across Co Laois and the wider Midlands.

Work continues on the Laois–Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement Project, including a new substation at Coolnabacky near Ratheniska, to further boost capacity in the Midlands and South East. The scheme is one of 29 priority transmission projects brought forward by EirGrid and being delivered by ESB Networks under PR6.

A video overview of the project is available at: youtu.be/xnbRPRK0v3g?si=QkApSqwRWvC1tat0