Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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8. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in the wake of storm Éowyn, his plans to engage in the upgrade and strengthening of electricity infrastructure across the country, in particularly in isolated rural areas which tend to have older, weakened infrastructure, leaving these areas adversely affected during periods of poor weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10215/25]

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 the 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.

Investing in our grid is undertaken in 5 year cycles, known as Price Reviews, sanctioned by the CRU. Price Review 6 will see the CRU sanction the investment in the grid for 2026 to 2030, and has seen ESB Networks request a base line investment of €10.1 billion, with the potential to grow to €13.4 billion. To deal with the disruptive events of storms and long term impacts of climate change, as part of PR6, ESB Networks are planning to implement a strategic approach to asset management to ensure that the investments are futureproofed and resilient.

Notwithstanding, I met with representatives from the CRU and ESB Networks on 31 January to discuss the Storm Éowyn response and the impact on customers. I requested a number of actions be taken, once the initial storm response has been completed. These measures include an enhanced Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan to be developed and implemented by ESB Networks between March and October 2025, to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter.

The matters raised in this Question are operational matters for EirGrid and ESB Networks, in the first instance, and the CRU and therefore not a matter in which I, as Minister, have a function. As such the Deputy may wish to engage with these organisations directly. EirGrid, ESB Networks and the CRU have respective contact email address for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern or seek updates on the development of the national electricity grid.