Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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221. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the benefits to County Kerry in respect of the publication of a Bill (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60047/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the Bill that the Deputy refers to is to provide the legal mechanism for the payment of €1.5bn of equity investment in ESB as committed to by Government under the updated National Development Plan. The Bill also provides for an increase in ESB's statutory borrowing limit from €12 billion to €17 billion.

The €1.5bn equity investment will support ESB’s ability to finance the unprecedented investment in our electricity system proposed for 2026-2030 as part of the Price Review 6 period. This critical infrastructure investment is necessary to meet the expected 50% growth in electricity demand by 2035 and will play a crucial part in delivering on Programme for Government commitments across housing, competitiveness, security of supply and renewable energy. These benefits will be felt across the country, including County Kerry.

The ESB investment plan will see the delivery of over 500 capital projects across transmission and distribution networks. Information on specific work undertaken as part of the grid investment programme that will benefit County Kerry is an operational matter for ESB. It is suggested that the Deputy contact ESB directly in relation to this matter. The dedicated Oireachtas email address for ESB is oireachtas@esb.ie.