ESB reveals plans for new €15m upgrade in Athlone

Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has welcomed significant planned investment by ESB Networks across Athlone, with particular emphasis on major resilience and infrastructure upgrades in the Coosan area.

Following a recent engagement with ESB Networks, Minister Moran said he was encouraged by the scale of investment being directed into Athlone and the clear commitment to future-proofing electricity infrastructure for communities and businesses across the region.

“Athlone continues to grow, and with that growth comes the need to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace,” Minister Moran said.

“I was very pleased to receive an update from ESB Networks outlining substantial investment plans for Athlone, particularly in Coosan where important works are now being prioritised.”

Minister Moran highlighted plans for a new greenfield €15 million high-voltage 110kV station for Athlone, which is expected to be delivered by 2030 and will help support housing development, industry and future economic growth in the wider area for decades to come.

In the shorter term, ESB Networks is also undertaking a further multi-million euro investment in the existing Athlone high-voltage substation, increasing capacity by approximately 50%, with those works expected to come into operation later this year.

However, Minister Moran said the specific plans for Coosan would be especially welcomed by local residents.

“I know there have been concerns locally regarding outages and network resilience, particularly following the impact of Storm Éowyn. Coosan has been identified as an area requiring focused improvements and I am pleased to see significant resources now being directed there.”

ESB Networks has confirmed that sections of the Coosan network, which currently operates as a more exposed single-phase system, will be upgraded to a three-phase network during 2026.

Additional automated technologies are also being installed which will improve reliability and reduce the number of customers affected during fault events.

Minister Moran also welcomed enhanced tree-cutting programmes, drone surveys and broader network resilience works taking place across Athlone and Longford following severe weather events.

“Residents in Coosan and surrounding areas want to know that lessons have been learned and that improvements are being delivered. These works represent a real investment in reliability and resilience for local communities,” he said.

Minister Moran acknowledged that some disruption may arise during the summer works programme but noted that residents will be informed in advance of any planned outages.

“I appreciate the patience and cooperation of local residents while these works are carried out. The temporary inconvenience will help deliver a stronger and more reliable network for years to come.”