Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1833. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made regarding the reduction of severe weather impacts on critical infrastructure and essential services through the introduction of tree corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47234/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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My Department recognises that last winter’s storms caused significant damage around the country, including to electricity lines and other infrastructure.

The legislative provisions relating to forestry and powerlines reside in section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.

The Forestry Standards Manual define the forest design requirements including the protection of the electricity network where it interacts with forestry land. Specifically, public road setback distances are defined as a strip of 10 metres for broadleaves and 20 metres for conifers, measured to the surfaced edge of the public road.

The legislation also allows the ESB and its representatives, taking due care and attention to avoid unnecessary damage, to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with any electrical wires. Such works do not require a felling licence from my Department.

In recognition of the additional challenges presented by the recent storms, on the 29th of July 2025 the Government approved the drafting of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will enhance the resilience of the electricity grid. The purpose of this Bill is to enable proactive measures, such as the establishment and maintenance of designated forestry corridors within existing forestry and the maintenance of clear land around existing infrastructure.