Call to move ESB substation out of heritage centre in Kildare

There have been reports of anti-social behaviour at the site

By Ciarán Mather Published 25th May 2026, 14:00 BST The matter was discussed at a recent Kildare County Council meeting. Pictured above is the official headquarters of Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, which is located in Naas | FILE PHOTO There have been reports of anti-social behaviour at the site Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

Kildare County Council (KCC) has been urged to write to ESB Networks and call on it to move an ESB substation from one County Kildare town's heritage centre.

Sinn Féin councillor Noel Connolly made the call at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, May 20 last.

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Cllr Connolly, who appeared at the meeting by virtual means, motioned for KCC to ‘write to ESB Networks asking them to explore the feasibility of relocating the ESB substation currently sited at The Heritage Centre, Market House, Kildare Town’.

His motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer, and also received further support from Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender and Fianna Fáil Cllrs Suzanne Doyle and Brian O’Loughlin.

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly | FILE PHOTO In response to his motion, KCC told him that this would be a matter for the other councillors to agree upon.

Speaking further on his request, Cllr Connolly said: “I would greatly appreciate the member’s support for the removal of the substation [from this location].”

After the meeting, Cllr Connolly provided additional context to the Leinster Leader — he explained: “The substation takes up about a third of the ground floor.

“I want it moved to allow for the retail space to expand, and also more space for better staff facilities.”

He added that there has been anti-social behaviour reported at the site in recent weeks, ‘with people trying to break in through the substation access’.

Following a brief vote at the meeting, it was agreed upon by the councillors in attendance that KCC would write to ESB Networks and ask the organisation to relocate the substation located inside the Heritage Centre.

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