Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 February 2025
14. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of power outages rurally in severe storms and other weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3896/25]
View answerThe subject of these Questions relates to storm responses and particularly that of Storm Éowyn, which caused an unprecedented level of damage to our networks. I wish to acknowledge the work of ESB Networks in responding to the aftermath and international colleagues who have come to our assistance.
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. Notwithstanding this, a key focus for Government, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group and all organisations involved is to find ways to support current power restoration works as expeditiously as possible and I am monitoring the situation closely.
The Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission system operators and for which they are accountable to the CRU. It is for system operators to determine the means of delivery of infrastructure.
Investing in our grid is undertaken in 5 year cycles, known as Price Reviews, sanctioned by the CRU. Price Review 6 will see the CRU sanction the investment in the grid for 2026 to 2030, and has seen ESB Networks request a base line investment of €10.1 billion, with the potential to grow to €13.4 billion. To deal with the disruptive events of storms and long term impacts of climate change, as part of PR6, ESB Networks are planning to implement a strategic approach to asset management to ensure that the investments are futureproofed and resilient.
Given the subject matter of this question the Deputy should engage directly with ESB Networks and EirGrid in the first instance regarding the issues that they are raising. The CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern.
