Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures his Department has taken to improved energy infrastructure and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48002/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme of Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future specifically notes that the Government will take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland's energy security.

In terms of energy security more broadly, Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 was published in November 2023 and outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050. The report was published as part of an Energy Security Package, containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations, and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security.

Progress on the 28 actions outlined in Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 is overseen by the Energy Security Group (ESG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and attended by officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

I will identify progress in two specific areas to enhance the security and resilience of Ireland's gas and electricity infrastructure.

Firstly, the Government decided to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve earlier this year. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. The need for this Reserve was highlighted by the IEA in their Ireland review and it was brought into sharp focus through recent Emergency Energy Exercises. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulation.

Secondly, significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. This includes a significant programme of work by ESBN in response to Storm Eowyn.

The National Development Plan will provide for the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity to support an unprecedented investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026 – 2030. €2 billion will be provided to EirGrid and €1.5 billion to ESB. This equity will enable both companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion.

In July, the CRU published its Draft Determination on Price Review 6 (PR6), funding investment in the electricity grid for 2026-2030. This draft determination sets out the envisaged investment, in both long-term capital projects and operational costs, which will take place in our electricity grid over the period 2026-2030. The draft determination represents a step change in investment in our electricity grid infrastructure and one of the biggest changes to the overall system in memory.

The CRU are proposing to approve an investment of up to €18.08 billion in our electricity system between 2026-2030, with a €14.1 billion baseline investment guaranteed. This includes increased spending on asset management, underground cables and replacement of aging overhead lines and poles.