Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, further to the fallout of Storm Éowyn, he will advance policies to ensure that new powerlines are undergrounded when feasible. [5751/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network. Both of whom are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

The Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.

Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission system operators and for which they are accountable to the CRU. It is for system operators to determine the means of delivery of infrastructure.

Given the subject matter of this Question the Deputy may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks and EirGrid in the first instance. The CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern.