Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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137. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request that Eirgrid submit updates regarding grid reinforcement projects to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas [12414/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The provision of quality energy infrastructure is essential to underpin Ireland’s economic development. Development of this infrastructure is undertaken under the direction of EirGrid, the transmission system operator.

As well as ensuring security of electricity supply, EirGrid must deliver on Government ambition of up to 80% renewable electricity on our system. EirGrid’s “Shaping Our Electricity Future” roadmap was designed to outline a secure transition to deliver on this renewable ambition. Work on 48 grid reinforcement projects listed in the roadmap is already underway, spread nationwide and with delivery ongoing to 2030.

In the context of the above, there is already a significant range of engagement and reporting in place. EirGrid develop, engage and consult on all of these projects in accordance with their 6 step grid development framework – a rigorous approach to planning, design, consents, construction and energisation for each project, all underpinned by substantive public engagement.

The reporting, monitoring, and incentive requirements for the work programme is formally overseen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the energy regulator, through a specific regulatory “Price Review” framework. Reporting and monitoring requirements for development projects are detailed in CRU's decision PR5 Regulatory Framework, Incentives and Reporting - CRU/20/154 (Dec 2020).

CRU publishes performance and investment planning and delivery reports on an annual basis, as well as performance reports under the Price Review process every 5 years on their website.

In light of the above, it may not be appropriate to duplicate reporting; however, EirGrid are available to attend the relevant committee of the Oireachtas to outline their work in more detail.