Development of a 38 kV/MV Gas Insulated Switchgear Electrical Substation

Proposed development

Electricity Supply Board (ESB) intends to apply for permission for development of a 38 kV/MV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Electrical Substation at this site (1.31ha) at Kerry Technology Park, Dromthacker, Tralee, Co. Kerry. The site is generally bound to the north by the Kerry Technology Park access road (subject to planning permission Ref: 2360295); to the east by the rear of residential properties; to the south by the Knockawaddra Road and the rear of residential and commercial properties along the Knockawaddra Road and to the west by an existing office building and associated car parking area. The proposed development will consist of: • Construction of a substation compound of approximately 2,006m2 gross area enclosed by a 2.6m high stone wall along the northern perimeter of the substation and a 2.6 m high palisade fence around the eastern, southern and western sides of the perimeter of the substation, with the following electrical plant within the substation: • 1 No. prefabricated 38 kV GIS module and foundation (c.31.0m2 and c.5.1 m high); • 1 No. prefabricated MV GIS module and foundation (c.34.0 and c.4.6m high); • 1 No. prefabricated Control Room module and foundation (c.34.0m2 and c.4.6 m high); • 2 No. 38/20 kV 10 MVA transformers and associated bunds (c.45.85m2, c.4.7 m high ea.); • 1 No. House Transformer (c. 7.4 m2 and c. 1.3 m high); and • All associated and ancillary outdoor electrical equipment and other apparatus, including installation of underground cables. • Internal access road within the proposed substation compound. • Site access road and footpath from the existing internal technology park road and footpath. • All associated site development works above and below ground including provision of lighting, boundary fences, landscaping, site services including drainage and all other works.

Planning status

Permission was granted on 9 Apr 2026. The four-week appeal period has passed with no appeal recorded, so the permission is final. Works can start once a commencement notice is lodged; the register gives its end as 12 May 2031.

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