Written answers
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Weather Events
Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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266. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the communication he has had with ESB following storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30681/25]
Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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267. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the actions he has sought from ESB following storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30682/25]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
Storm Éowyn was among the most severe weather events to impact Ireland in recent decades, causing extensive damage to electricity infrastructure nationally. Throughout and following the storm, I engaged with ESB Networks (ESB-N) regarding the response to the damage caused and to building further resilience into the electricity network.
I brought a Memorandum to Government on 5 February last in relation to the development of an ESB-N Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan. This plan, approved by Government on 8 April, sets out actions across key areas including hazard removal and inspection, forestry management, materials and spares review, resourcing and innovation measures to increase resilience in the electricity network for the winter ahead.
Progress has been significant. Hazard clearance is underway, with additional timber contractors mobilised to tackle large vegetation clearance. ESB-N are continuing to target and prioritise the inspection of network in the worst affected areas through the use of helicopter, drone and foot surveys.
At the most recent Energy Security Group meeting, ESB-N presented a status update. As of 4 June, while the national programme of network inspection continues, the status of the survey regarding the prioritised portion of the network since Storm Éowyn is:
- Approximately 70% of the transmission network or 4,995km;
- 98% of the 38kV Network or 5,565km;
- 100% of the targeted medium voltage network or approximately 3,500km.
Storm materials stock replenishment is on schedule for June, with a doubling of emergency reserves targeted for the end of September. Overhead line staff resources were doubled in 2024 and a further 30% increase is planned by year end. Working with Education and Training Boards, ESB-N have commenced the development of an overhead line apprenticeship programme. A programme of work, led by ESB-N, is underway with European Operators for reciprocal support MoU frameworks and is on track for end of Q4 2025.
ESB-N have also undertaken a review, to be considered by CRU as part of the Price Review 6 decision-making process, of the planned grid enhancements and if further works are required in light of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. To deal with the disruptive events of storms and long-term impacts of climate change, ESB-N are planning to implement a strategic approach to asset management to ensure that investments are futureproofed and resilient.
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