Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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219. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, in light of recent storm damage, he will ensure that all State and semi-State agencies under his remit tasked with the provision of services to the public, would have back-up generators to allow them function regardless of power cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9523/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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On 24 January, Storm Éowyn caused widespread power outages, unprecedented damage, and in parts, left the electricity grid destroyed due to broken poles, lines and wires. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened on Wednesday 22 January in preparation for the storm. This was attended by all Government Departments and agencies.

Severe weather plans for the electricity system were implemented, with both EirGrid and ESB Networks preparing the electricity system for significant damage. Subgroups were subsequently established under the NECG. The Subgroup on Infrastructure, the Generators Subgroup, and the Subgroup on Humanitarian Support ensured that a key focus was placed on restoring power to critical services such as telecoms and water through prioritisation of reconnections. I am advised that as part of these subgroups ESBN assisted with the provision of backup generators from their own stock to assist other critical infrastructure operators in restoration of services.

A formal review of the response to Storm Éowyn will be conducted by DHLGH and will be submitted to the Government Task Force for Emergency Planning. DECC will participate in the review and will reflect the learnings for the electricity sector into it.

Following the Storm, as an immediate action, the Government agreed to the development of an enhanced Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan to be developed within 1 month and implemented by ESBN between March and October 2025.