Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

146. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on private wires policy; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60034/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government approved the Private Wires Policy Statement in July of this year. Officials in my Department have started drafting the General Scheme of a Bill to provide for Private Wires which I expect to be brought to Government by the end of the year. Officials are engaging closely with key stakeholders including the CRU, EirGrid and ESB in the development of the legislation.

The legislation will allow for construction of private wires in four specific circumstances as set out in the Policy Statement. It is intended that the Bill will begin moving through the Oireachtas next year with work to begin on supporting regulations to define technical and safety standards.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

147. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on legislation to amend the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to allow for private wires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60496/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Having received Government approval for the Private Wires Policy Statement in July this year, my Department has initiated the process of drafting the subsequent necessary Private Wires legislation. Developing private wires legislation is a priority for the Government and was included in the Programme for Government.

Engagement with key stakeholders has commenced and is ongoing. My Department is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General to progress this legislative reform. I expect the general scheme of the Private Wires Bill to be submitted for Cabinet approval shortly. The legislation will be drafted to reflect the guiding principle of the policy statement and clarity the necessary regulation to build Private Wires in the policy’s four specified use cases.