ESB Networks and EirGrid rebuild the 400 kV Woodland substation, the hub of three major grid projects

ESB Networks and EirGrid are advancing the redevelopment of the 400 kV Woodland substation in County Meath to increase grid capacity and strengthen electricity supplies across eastern Ireland, according to reNEWS, which quotes the two companies.

What was announced. The works will replace ageing equipment, improve network resilience and add capacity for future demand. The redevelopment is part of the investment planned under Price Review 6 and, according to the companies, will support housing growth, economic development and public transport infrastructure in the region.

The three projects. The substation, near Batterstown, is the proposed connection point for the Kildare–Meath Grid Upgrade, East Meath–North Dublin Grid Upgrade and North–South Interconnector. The first is a 400 kV underground cable between the Dunstown and Woodland substations, approved with conditions by the planning authority An Coimisiún Pleanála in March 2025. The second, a 400 kV underground cable to the Belcamp substation in north Dublin, received planning permission in February 2025, according to EirGrid. The third is a 400 kV overhead line of around 138 kilometres that will link the grids of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What the companies say. "Woodland is one of the most strategically important transmission stations on Ireland's electricity network," said Niall Whitmarsh, high voltage project leader for Dublin North at ESB Networks, who noted that the station has served the east of the country for more than 40 years. Jason Kenna, EirGrid's head of network projects in Ireland, stressed that Woodland is also a key station for interconnection, as the East West Interconnector, linking Ireland's transmission system to Britain, connects there.

What comes next. According to EirGrid, the extension of the station will allow critical cable projects to connect, bringing more resilience and capacity to the network regionally and nationally. The companies say they have engaged with local residents and public representatives to minimise disruption; the published information does not give a timetable or a cost for the works.

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