Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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120. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the action being taken to prepare for the coming winter period to reduce power outages across the country caused by fallen trees; the steps being taken regarding power lines passing through forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48008/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Following Storm Éowyn, I asked ESB Networks to prepare as a priority a Winter 2025 Resilience Plan to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter. It was published by ESB Networks in April (copy attached) and sets out several actions to build resilience in the electricity network ahead of Winter 2025. ESB has reported strong progress to my Department on the actions to date:

1. ESB-N undertook a survey of the electricity network following the storm, making hazards safe and identifying remedial works needed to refurbish network weakened by the recent storms.

2. ESB-N continues to work with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk. Analysis of customers most affected by windfall has identified priority areas for remediation. Timber harvesters have been procured and during the summer began to cut timber according to this prioritisation.

3. Emergency stocks of spare parts and materials are to be replenished and doubled in size by October 2025. This replenishment is on schedule for completion and is now 80% complete.

4. Staffing levels and available contractor resources are to be increased through provision of targeted training programmes via the Education and Training Boards. In conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, my Department has progressed the issue of permits for skilled workers from outside the EU to advance urgent forestry work.

5. ESB-N is seeking to capitalise on the support received from other utilities across Europe in assisting with Storm Éowyn restoration. ESB-N is leading a working group to establish formal arrangements for mutual aid during extreme weather events via the European Distribution System Operators body.

6. ESB-N is currently concluding a formal Storm Review to identify additional recommendations to be implemented in advance of future storms, including learning from international experiences. My Department continues to engage with ESB Networks on challenges to grid resilience in advance of winter 2025.

ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who manage engagement with landowners on forestry work.

My Department is preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation, place the dimensions and conditions of corridors through forestry on a statutory footing, and establish principles for the compensation of affected landowners. Cabinet approved the Heads of this Bill on 29 July, and work on advancing the legislation continues.