The Killonan ESB Substation is a major electrical substation located near Annacotty in County Limerick, Ireland. It plays a key role in the national grid, operating at 220/110 kV and serving as a critical node for electricity transmission and distribution across the region.

The site has undergone recent upgrades, including the development of a 220 kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation, as part of ESB Networks’ infrastructure enhancement projects. These upgrades support increased capacity, improved reliability, and integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

Overview

In high-security environments like electrical substations, uninterrupted mobile connectivity is not just a convenience — it is a necessity. From operational efficiency to remote monitoring and safety compliance, a stable mobile signal underpins essential services.

Novatel was selected to deliver a ComReg-approved mobile communication solution at the Killonan 220/110kV Substation in County Limerick on behalf of ESB Networks.

Novatel was chosen to provide a complete turnkey solution, delivering every phase of the project:

  • Custom System Design
  • Consultation and Needs Analysis
  • Full Commissioning and Handover
  • Detailed Site Survey and RF Testing
  • Supply and Installation of Repeater & DAS Equipment

Challenges Identified

1. Signal Blockage

The substation buildings are constructed with dense materials that heavily block external mobile signals, leading to poor indoor coverage.

2. Signal Overpowering

Located near multiple donor towers (Vodafone, Three, and Eir), the site risked signal overpowering — a condition that can disrupt repeater functionality without expert system design.

3. Multi-Network Requirements

ESB required seamless mobile service across all three major Irish networks, supporting both 4G and 5G voice and data services.

The Novatel Solution

Professional Mobile Signal Repeater System Installed in Killonan
StellaDoradus Mobile Signal Repeater Professionally Installed.

Novatel engineered and installed a ComReg-approved Enterprise Cellular Repeater and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) using the Stella Doradus Titan IR6 repeater, designed specifically for commercial and mission-critical use.

System Components Included:

  • Directional High-Gain External Antennas

    Strategically aligned to lock onto the strongest signals from each donor network.

  • Stella Doradus Titan IR6 Repeater

    Stella Doradus is powerful, commercial-grade amplifier with touchscreen LCD interface, covering all Irish mobile frequency bands.

  • Manual & Automated Attenuation Controls

    To eliminate overpowering from nearby base stations, ensuring balanced and stable signal distribution indoors.

  • Distributed Internal Antenna System

    Designed for maximum coverage throughout both substation buildings.

  • Optional Remote Monitoring

    Integration with StellaControl enables remote diagnostics and performance tracking. Year 1 access provided free of charge.

  • 3-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

    Hardware covered by a comprehensive three-year warranty.

  • Ongoing Maintenance Support

    Available via annual maintenance contracts managed directly by Novatel.

Results Achieved

  • Reliable Multi-Network Coverage

    Complete mobile voice and data coverage for Vodafone, Three, and Eir across all internal areas.

  • Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Support

    All major bands, including 4G and 5G, are supported — future-proofing the system.

  • Stable, Optimised Performance

    Advanced attenuation tuning resolved overpowering risks and ensured uniform signal strength in every zone.

  • User-Friendly Management

    Touchscreen LCD panel provides live system data, empowering on-site engineers with instant diagnostics.

  • Guaranteed Irish

    All system components are manufactured and supported in Waterford.

Why ESB Chose Novatel

  • Expertise in Critical Infrastructure

    Proven experience delivering communication systems in secure and complex environments.

  • End-to-End Project Delivery

    Novatel managed every stage, from consultation through to commissioning.

  • Full Regulatory Compliance

    All installed equipment meets ComReg standards.

  • Tailored Engineering

    Custom solutions designed to overcome the unique RF challenges of each site.

  • Trusted Nationwide Partner

    Novatel delivers enterprise-grade connectivity to organisations across Ireland.

Conclusion

The Killonan Substation project has delivered a modern, robust, and secure mobile communications system that aligns with ESB Networks’ broader goals for digital transformation and operational resilience.

This successful outcome showcases Novatel’s technical capability and commitment to quality — and sets a strong precedent for future substation upgrades across the ESB network. Novatel is ready to support similar critical infrastructure projects nationwide.