Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the consultation on private wires direct line renewables will be released; his Department’s plans for the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29927/22]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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230. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if direct line renewables have value in addressing the challenges caused by the projected rise in electricity demand by large energy users such as data centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29928/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.I propose to take Question Nos 229 and 230 together.The Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a commitment to review the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines (Action 115). A consultation paper on policy options for private wires was due to be published in Q1 of this year. Unfortunately, this work is currently delayed, and a date has not yet been set for when this consultation will issue. However, I appreciate that private wires/direct lines are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private networks/direct lines is a priority for the Department.

The specific role that direct line renewables could play in helping to meet the projected increase in electricity demand from data centres in Ireland will ultimately depend on the outcome of this review. However, Government is already taking a number of steps to help address these challenges. For example, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to align with our renewable energy targets, sectoral emission ceilings and security of supply. This is part of a suite of actions included in the Climate Action Plan 2021 to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector. My Department has been engaging with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as relevant state agencies, on the development of this revised Statement to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres, taking into account congestion, existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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231. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has engaged with EirGrid on it's Shaping Our Electricity Future document attempting to set energy policy; the way this clashes with the stated objective of the renewable electricity support scheme auction to decide the mix of renewable energy technologies that will connect to the system by 2030; the actions he has taken to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29957/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government sets national energy policy and targets, and this policy will direct EirGrid as to what must be delivered. As such, EirGrid’s roadmap will be adapted as time goes on to realise national energy policy whilst ensuring a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity through the transition. In that regard, EirGrid is currently in the process of updating its Shaping roadmap in light of the increased Government ambition to deliver up to 80% renewable electricity on our system by 2030.