John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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127. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to protect consumers from rising energy costs, to reduce wasted renewable energy, to build a grid that can stand up to ever-larger storms and to connect more of the clean energy needed to invest in Irelands future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48317/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recently approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million.

In June 2025, my Department established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability.

Investment in the grid is essential to address the issues raised by the Deputy. A modern electricity gird will ensure that the electricity system is resilient, that renewables are connected and that consumers can actively participate in and benefit from energy transition.

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. This equity will enable both companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion.

This investment will support the delivery of the in the electricity grid for 2026-2030 in line with the CRU PR6 draft determination published in July. This represents a step change in investment in our electricity grid infrastructure.