Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider investing in infrastructure to prevent future power outages following snow events; his views on whether such an investment might actually yield future cost savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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EirGrid, as the transmission system operator and ESB Networks, as the distribution system operator are continually working on ways to improve the electricity system for the benefit of the people of Ireland. As set out in the ‘Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure’ the State owned Networks Companies are mandated to deliver the State’s network investment programmes in the most cost efficient and timely way possible in the interests of all energy consumers who need the investment and who also pay for it. Decisions on works to undertake are a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks, but I am advised that in 2016, ESB Networks invested over €370m in reinforcement and construction of new networks.