Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a serious issue relating to electricity connections in the Cappincur area of Tullamore, County Offaly, where two important projects are currently stalled due to ESB capacity constraints. The first concern is the Cappincur recycling centre, which suffered a devastating fire on 1 March 2024. Anyone who has experienced a fire in a workplace understands the uncertainty and hardship it creates for both workers and owners. To their credit, the owners rolled up their sleeves, rebuilt the facility, complied with every regulatory requirement, completed all necessary works and are now ready to reopen and provide employment again in what is a critical environmental sector. However, despite everything being ready, the plant cannot reopen because it is still awaiting a reconnection from ESB Networks. The operators have been engaging with ESB Networks since last September seeking that reconnection. Workers are ready to return to their jobs, yet the facility remains unable to open.

The second issue concerns Waterways Ireland's new craft centre of excellence, which is also located in the Cappincur area. This is a major public infrastructure project that will support the maintenance of 120 locks across the 420 km of navigable waterways and provide a base for approximately 70 staff. Waterways Ireland has been engaging with ESB Networks for over two years, with a formal connection estimation in August 2025. Both of these projects have now been informed that ESB Networks requires a further two-month review of grid capacity in the Cappincur area before it can confirm when connections or reconnections can be delivered. Depending on the outcome of that review, delays of up to 12 months or longer may arise.

Another aspect that is particularly concerning is the timeline involved in even notifying these organisations about the review process. In the case of both the recycling plant and Waterways Ireland, engagement with ESB Networks has been ongoing for months. In the case of the recycling plant, engagement has been ongoing since last September. In the case of Waterways Ireland, it has been for more than two years. However, it was only recently confirmed that a two-month capacity review was required before any timeline could even be provided. In fact, it was only when my office made direct inquiries that clarity was provided that such a review was even under way. That raises a very fair question. How can it take nearly six months for customers to be informed that a review is required before a connection or reconnection timeline can even be considered?

The longer this situation continues, the more precious taxpayers' money is wasted through delays to a major State infrastructure project. That money should be delivering infrastructure and services for the public. Certainly, it cannot be redirected to resolve the reconnection issue facing a private recycling plant that is ready to provide employment.

The Government is investing significant sums into electricity infrastructure through the national development plan, with billions of euro directed towards strengthening and expanding the electricity grid. ESB Networks has a major capital programme to upgrade the network to support electrification, economic development and the transition to renewable energy. While all of that investment and reform are welcome, the situation in Cappincur raises a fundamental question - does the system currently have the capacity to deliver connections efficiently and effectively? We cannot have businesses, public bodies and workers left waiting indefinitely for connection or, worse again, a reconnection. What exactly are the grid constraints affecting the Cappincur area of Tullamore? Why are both projects now subject to two-month capacity reviews before any connection timeline can even be indicated? What immediate steps can be taken to ensure connections at both Cappincur recycling centre and Waterways Ireland are delivered without further unnecessary delay? Workers and businesses in Offaly cannot be left waiting indefinitely for electricity connections.

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