Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are adequate protections in place to safeguard ESB transmission lines, with particular reference to the problems caused by falling trees in storms over recent years resulting in power outages for many communities on a repeated basis; the measures that will be implemented as a result of lessons learned from such storms and actions to be taken across Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Issues regarding the maintenance of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks who are independent of myself 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. The Transmission and Distribution Networks together make up the national electricity grid. ESB Networks as the Transmission and Distribution Asset Owner, build and maintain the electricity grid.

Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not myself as Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.

The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, the regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks, Distribution, and EirGrid, Transmission. 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.

I am aware of the legislative powers in relation to power lines and interaction with trees and vegetation, which reside under section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended. These allow the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, to lop or cut any trees, shrubs or hedges which obstruct or interfere with laying or maintenance of electrical wires. Such works are a matter between the ESB and anyone acting on their behalf, and the landowners in question.

I met with representatives from the CRU and ESB Networks on 31 January to discuss the Storm Éowyn response and the impact on customers and I have 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 to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter. Within this plan the ESB have identified a number of initial actions, including increasing the stock holding of spare parts for the electricity network, creating forestry corridors to protect overhead line corridors, and enhancing already strong relationships with partners across Europe.

In addition to this a full review by ESB Networks and CRU has been requested as part of the PR6 (Sixth Price Review) decision-making process of the planned grid enhancement and in light of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, with specific additional projects and investments identified to future proof Ireland’s energy grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change.