Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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61. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on work currently being undertaken within his Department to liaise with the private sector to ensure there is improvement in communication infrastructure in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52189/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been working with colleagues in industry to examine the impact that Storm Éowyn had on communication networks and to put in place measures and structures to lessen the impact of future storms. Progress is being made in developing improved response and resilience capacities within the sector following January's storm.

All network operators, both fixed and mobile, have conducted a review of their preparedness for the risks posed by storms. They have advised me of resilience investments and actions they are making this year and over the coming years to improve their networks’ abilities to withstand the kinds of physical damage and prolonged mains power loss that we experienced in January. These investments and actions include:

• Identification of critical sites nationwide that will be hardened and prioritised for recovery in the event of future storms
• Upgrades of backup battery capacity for key mobile sites
• Acquisition of additional generator capacity to be deployed to sites experiencing a prolonged loss of mains power.
• Reconfiguration of power management for priority sites, to reduce power consumption and to provide a minimum level of service for a longer period.
• Continuous replacement programme of older batteries each year to avoid degradation of the battery capacities.
• Engagement with site providers and landowners to prioritise clearance of access paths in the event of fallen trees or vegetation blocking access to hilltop sites.