Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 1 April 2014, in view of the real and potential impact on communications and energy distribution for large parts of the country as a result of inadequate infrastructure, something which is not an operational day to day issue, if he will ask his Department to consider the necessity of introducing guidelines for a new standard of infrastructure based around concrete that would be more durable during severe weather events. [16874/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Communications and electricity distribution networks worldwide, like many buildings and other structures, are occasionally damaged during storms, e.g. when trees fall across the lines. Occasional storm damage does not suggest that the infrastructure provided by our State companies is inadequate. The network investment programmes pursued by EirGrid, ESB Networks and Bord Gáis Éireann over recent years have delivered highly durable and robust energy networks which have, for the most part, withstood the test of severe weather episodes and record peak demands. The electricity transmission network, which is supported using steel masts and double wood poles, has withstood all of the recent severe weather and has not suffered faults leading to power outages. The type of supporting structure for the communications and electricity networks is a day to day operational matter for the companies concerned. The State companies are obliged to adhere to all relevant guidelines and standards in this area, follow best practice and ensure value for money. It is expected that the companies will continue to undertake well informed objective and authoritative analysis in arriving at optimal technology choice, design and costings.