Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action he is taking to resolve the ongoing increasing timelines for completion of works under the SEAI free energy upgrades in Cork county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/25]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the SEAI on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an 11-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
The scheme has been delivering a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €27,700 in 2024. While these deeper retrofits take longer to complete, significant reductions in the average waiting time have still been achieved. The average wait time reduced from 26 months in 2022 to 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G upgraded in 2024.
The reduction in waiting times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. However, given the very high number of applications and greater volume of deeper retrofits provided under the scheme, the SEAI is projecting that that new applications may face longer waiting times. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to further accelerate and maximise the output of free energy upgrades thereby minimising waiting times.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email or by telephone – details are on the SEAI website. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie .
52. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll out of the National Broadband Ireland service in Portmarnock, north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/25]
View answerIn December 2022, the Digital Connectivity Strategy of Ireland was published and set out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
The Programme for Government 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The Question refers to Portmarnock which is partially located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
Commercial Fixed line operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and SIRO are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to the AMBER area can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at nbi.ie/map/.
This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Portmarnock is included in the Donabate /Portrane Deployment Area.
NBI have advised my Department that they faced challenges in this specific DA, which affected the original anticipated connection timeframe. Under the National Broadband Plan (NBP), NBI is contractually obligated to re-use existing third-party infrastructure, such as poles and ducts.
During the Network Build Stage, the third party is responsible for clearing and replacing poles and clearing ducts to align to the agreed standards. Regrettably challenges have occurred during the completion of these works by the third party, which has significantly impacted NBI’s ability to proceed with the build in this DA.
NBI have advised my Department that the network build is currently in progress and the Portmarnock premises within the Intervention area have an anticipated connection timeframe of between October and December 2025. NBI will publish confirmation of timeframes to their website as they become available.
53. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the levels of illegal dumping throughout Dublin; the plans the Government has to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/25]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement, clean-up and disposal actions in relation to illegal dumping, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. As such, my Department does not hold information on the levels of illegal dumping occurring in individual local authorities. Questions relating to the level of illegal dumping in Dublin should be directed to the relevant local authorities.However, my Department provides significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to deal with incidences of illegal dumping. Almost €20.5m has been provided to the sector under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was first introduced in 2017 in order to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem. Innovative projects, which recognise waste as a resource that can be re-purposed for use in a Circular Economy are particularly encouraged under the Initiative. €2.8m was provided in support of the ADI in 2024 while allocations for 2025 will be finalised shortly.Full details of the amounts provided to the four Dublin local authorities by my Department under the ADI for each of the years 2017 - 2024, including details of the specific projects supported are available at the following website www.gov.ie/en/publication/e27ac-anti-dumping-initiative/ .
My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network, through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme, with the intention of maintaining a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State. €7.58m was provided to local authorities under the scheme in 2024, including over €1.8m to the four Dublin local authorities, while a further €7.7m has been allocated in support of the scheme in 2025.
54. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of grid alerts issued by Eirgrid in the past twelve months; the efforts his Department is taking to improve the State’s energy security; if he is concerned about the increase in electricity consumption of data centres by 20% between 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/25]
View answerCSO data released in July 2024 showed a 20% increase in data centre energy consumption between 2022 and 2023, accounting for 21% of total electricity consumption. This growth in data centre energy consumption was anticipated. The CSO’s growth estimate for data centre energy consumption is in line with Ireland’s transmission system operator’s (EirGrid) projections, including in the All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) 2025-2034.
The AIRAA is an electricity system security study that assesses the balance between electricity generation capacity and electricity demand over the next ten years. The recently published AIRAA 2025-34 shows an improved picture for Irelands generation adequacy on last years study.
This improvement is due to new generation capacity additions, an improved accounting of existing generation (including from renewables) and interconnection capacities. It is also due to risk mitigations, delivered by Government and State agencies, such as the delivery of Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG).
System Alerts’ (previously known as amber alerts) are issued by EirGrid when the buffer between electricity supply and demand is tighter than optimum. It serves as a warning to the wider electricity sector to take pre-planned actions to protect the integrity of the grid and avoid entering ‘System Emergency’ when there is a risk that not all electricity demand can be met.
I am advised that there have been two system alerts issued in the last 12 months. These alerts took place during Storm Darragh in December 2024 and Storm Éowyn in January 2025.
I am further advised that there have also been five system margin warnings which is a pre-alert state and means the TEG units are being calculated in the reserve for the system. The TEG units have helped to reduce the number of system alerts and provided a buffer to the electricity system over the last year.
The Government set out a vision in the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' strategy to move away from fossil fuels to an electricity led energy system. Delivery of our ambitious renewable and electrification targets set out in the Climate Action Plan will also be key in this regard.
55. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his Department’s role in the accelerating renewable electricity taskforce and the development of a policy framework to ensure a regional balance and distribution of renewable power such as solar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 in order to meet the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables.
The Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce has been established to identify and prioritise the required policies to achieve our onshore renewable electricity targets and to ensure that barriers to the implementation of such policies are removed or minimised to the greatest extent possible.
The Taskforce is chaired by my Department and its membership is comprised of senior representatives from key government departments and State Bodies with responsibilities related to the delivery of renewable electricity generation projects and associated grid infrastructure.
Under the aegis of the Taskforce, officials from my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, are developing a supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply which will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies, including solar PV and onshore wind.
As part of this approach, regional renewable electricity capacity allocations for solar PV and onshore wind have been included in the draft First Revision of the National Planning Framework. The inclusion of these regional allocations is a critical step towards achieving Ireland’s national renewable electricity targets and will support a plan-led approach to the strategic planning of renewable technologies, delivering a fair regional balance and distribution of the associated infrastructure.
This approach will provide a framework for Ireland’s indigenous renewable electricity supply to keep pace with economic growth, protect Irish homes and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices through the deployment of indigenous wind and solar energy across our regions.
56. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of long-duration energy storage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17834/25]
View answerIn line with CAP Action EL/24/16, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland (ESPF) was published by my Department in July 2024. The policy framework included 10 Government actions to support the role of electricity storage systems in Ireland’s energy transition. Actions #6 to #10 of the policy framework are designed to stimulate the development of the optimum level of electricity storage systems, including Long Duration Electricity Storage on to the grid network by 2040.
Action #6 of the policy framework supports the immediate Procurement of 500MW of Demand Flexibility products and 500MW of (long duration) electricity storage to meet specific network needs, in the distribution and transmission systems respectively and has a completion timeline of 2028.
In line with Action #6, EirGrid, in conjunction with the Regulatory Authority, are developing a procurement mechanism for long-duration electricity storage, through their Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) product. The LDES product is in its initial stages with 2 separate public consultations expected in 2025 and 2026. The 1st round of procurement is expected by end of Q4 2027.
Actions #7 to #10 of the policy framework will establish the optimal (long duration) electricity storage requirements to meet climate targets and electricity grid network expansion between 2030 and 2040, through a ‘Quantity’ Consultation (Action #7); a ‘Financial’ consultation (Action #8); and if required a ‘Market framework’ (Action #9) and a further a ‘Route to market’ (Action #10) before the end of 2028.
58. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the retrofit scheme; the number of homes that have benefitted from the scheme to date; and the work he is undertaking to meet the target of retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030. [17754/25]
View answerIreland has one of the most ambitious home retrofit targets in the world. The National Retrofit Plan sets out how these targets will be met, including an €8 billion financial allocation out to 2030.
A range of measures have been introduced under the Retrofit Plan in recent years to support the achievement of our targets, including:
• Enhanced SEAI grant schemes with simplified application processes and faster approvals, including a greater focus on heat pumps;
• A reformed Warmer Homes Scheme for homeowners in energy poverty with expanded eligibility, increased depth of retrofit, prioritisation of the worst performing homes and a higher number supported;
• Establishment of a network of 24 SEAI registered One Stop Shops with further growth in the network expected this year;
• Enhanced supports for retrofitting apartment buildings and flat complexes;
• New supports for area-based retrofit projects and traditional buildings;
• The new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme enabling homeowners to avail of retrofit loans with interest rates as low as 3%;
• A reduction in the VAT rate for heat pumps to 9% and a 0% rate for solar panels;
• A tax incentive to encourage small-scale landlords to undertake retrofitting works while tenants remain in situ; and
• Measures to increase the number of workers with retrofit skills.
Between 2019 and 2024, SEAI schemes provided €1.2 billion support to homeowners for almost 187,000 home energy upgrades, including 58,000 B2s and 25,000 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme. Data from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show a further 10,500 local authority upgrades funded by that Department during the same period. This year, a record budget of €550 million allocation to SEAI will support over 64,500 home energy upgrades and build on the momentum seen in recent years. My officials continue to work with the SEAI and other relevant Departments and Agencies to deliver on the range of Programme for Government commitments related to retrofit.
59. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an audit of State-owned buildings has been carried out to ascertain the level of insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and other energy-saving measure have been taken in the past ten years, and planned for in the next five years. [18060/25]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 includes a requirement for public bodies to develop a building stock plan to critically review its building portfolio in the context of the sector's targets and its long-term accommodation needs. This will inform a strategic approach to managing relevant buildings over the next decade, and beyond.
In addition, public bodies are required to complete the building register on the SEAI’s Monitoring and Reporting System in which details regarding buildings owned, leased and shared by public bodies, the square footage of those buildings, and other data relevant to the targets in the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package, will be captured. My Department is developing a 'National Building Renovation Plan' which will be completed in 2026.
60. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to set up a specific fund for local authorities for the installation of air monitoring units in urban areas; and the level of air monitoring taking place across the State. [17839/25]
View answerThe national air quality monitoring network is operated, maintained, and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP), which is funded by my Department. As competent authority under the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive, the EPA decides the most appropriate locations for monitors based on best practice and EU requirements. Accordingly, any questions in relation to the installation of monitors may be addressed to the Agency directly.
A significant upgrade to the AAMP network, funded by my Department, was undertaken in recent years. As a consequence, the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 115 today - three times greater than the number required under the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive.
The AAMP is supported by a new air quality modelling and forecasting facility developed under the LIFE EMERALD project. The key goal of LIFE Emerald is to strengthen air quality management in Ireland to ensure effective implementation of the EU Ambient Air Quality. The Forecast Maps were launched by the EPA last November and predict the daily air quality based on the Air Quality Index for Health for up to 3 days.
The EPA also produces an annual report on Air Quality which provides an overview of the quality of our air and key issues that impact upon it. Details of the locations of all monitoring stations currently in operation, along with real-time and historic data from each station, can be found at the website, www.airquality.ie .
My Department and the EPA are currently reviewing the network of stations in light of the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive and any potential changes to the network will be informed by that review.
61. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has undertaken a review electricity costs and the current market design to determine the cause of high prices in Ireland when compared to other EU Member States; if so, whether his Department will publish that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18067/25]
View answerElectricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive and are overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Price setting by energy suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.
The Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain energy costs, including with regard to VAT. A cross-Government Energy Affordability Taskforce is being established to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. This will include a full review of all cost drivers across the energy market in Ireland.
62. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which the Eirgrid All Island Resource Adequacy Assessment 2025-2034 (details supplied) will impact on energy supply in the years ahead; if it means that more renewable and less fossil fuel generation capacity will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/25]
View answerThe All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) is an electricity system security study that assesses the balance between electricity generation capacity and electricity demand over the next ten years. The recently published AIRAA 2025-34 shows an improved picture for Ireland's generation adequacy on last years study. This improvement is due to new generation capacity additions, an improved accounting of existing generation (including from renewables) and interconnection capacities. It is also due to risk mitigations, delivered by Government and State agencies, such as the delivery of Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG).
The Base and Secure scenario results in the AIRAA indicate adequacy challenges in 2025 and 2026, although these challenges are mitigated when the CRU security of supply programme out of market mitigations, such as TEG, are considered. The position improves in 2027 as the Celtic Interconnector is delivered and new gas capacity comes online. From 2028, the Base scenario indicates the system is operating within standard.
In their publication, EirGrid's median demand scenario forecasts demand to grow by 45% over the next 10 years, as we electrify heat, transport and digitise our economy. This will be met be delivering more capacity to generate electricity, both renewable and conventional, and by managing demand to better match times of surplus – what’s called ‘flexible demand’. Delivery of key infrastructure, including grid reinforcements and interconnection, will also be important in securing the electricity system.
As set out in the 2021 'Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply', the development of new conventional gas fired generation is a national priority and should be permitted and supported. This will ensure security of electricity supply and support the growth of renewable electricity generation. Dispatchable generation, such as gas fired generation, is necessary to meet electricity demand at times of low renewable output. However, as more renewables are delivered and energised over the coming years, dispatchable generation will be required to run less frequently over the course of a year.
63. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made in terms of the provision of energy locally, by the Dublin Waste To Energy facility operated by Dublin City Council in a public-private partnership with three other companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17841/25]
View answerDublin City Council (DCC) is working to develop a large project that will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings in the adjacent area, with plans to progressively expand into Dublin city.
This project is strategically important for Ireland, and both national and international district heating experts have identified its tremendous potential. When fully operational, the Dublin District Heating Project will be capable of capturing up to 90 MW of heat which is being generated as a by-product of converting non-recyclable waste at the Dublin Waste to Energy (DWtE) facility on the Poolbeg peninsula. This heat, which is currently being released into Dublin Bay, has the potential to heat up to 80,000 homes, public sector buildings and commercial premises.
There is significant momentum in the project with some key infrastructure already complete or being built out. Installation of the trunk main pipework through the Central Boulevard in the Irish Glass Bottle site commenced in August 2024. It is intended that this will be followed by installation of advance pipe works across Sean Moore Road in 2025.
The Government's Climate Action Plan recognises the important contribution that district heating can make to achieving Ireland’s climate and energy goals. The District Heating Steering Group Report set out recommendations to develop the district heating sector in Ireland, including the need to develop underpinning legislation, and to support the development and expansion of district heating networks.
The Government has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund, including allocating (subject to business case approval) €50 million to the Dublin District Heating Project. My Department is working with DCC to ensure all necessary supports are in place for the acceleration of this landmark district heating project.
64. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on any district heating projects connected with data centres having either being rolled out or being rolled out nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17838/25]
View answerDistrict heating is a proven technology that can play a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the heat sector. Government policy recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s climate and goals goals. This is underpinned by the findings of the SEAI's 2022 National Heat Study, which highlighted significant potential for heat in buildings to be supplied by district heating, particularly in cities and large towns, where demand is concentrated, and heat sources are prevalent. Additionally, the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency has estimated that waste heat generated by industry could heat up to one million buildings in Ireland.
The establishment of the District Heating Steering Group, which we committed to through the Climate Action Plan process, was a critical step on our journey towards developing district heating in Ireland. The District Heating Steering Group Report set out recommendations to develop the district heating sector, including the need to develop underpinning legislation and to support the development and expansion of district heating networks.
In a district heating network, heat is generated at one or more centralised locations, each of which is referred to as an energy centre, and is then distributed via a network of insulated pipes to individual properties connected to the network. Different technologies and energy types can be used as heat sources within energy centres. Today, common heat sources include combined heat and power plants, and waste heat from industrial processes. The Programme for Government recognises the important role district heating can play, particularly in relation to the capture of waste heat from data centres. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and integrating sustainable energy, district heating contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting broader energy efficiency and climate objectives.
The Government has financially supported the development of district heating networks In Ireland through the Climate Action Fund. To date, there is a single relatively large-scale district heating scheme operational in Ireland, which was developed by South Dublin County Council in Tallaght, supported by the Climate Action Fund. It uses waste heat from a data centre and supplies low-carbon heat to customers, including the County Council and the Technological University Dublin. Phase 2 of this scheme is now under consideration.
My Department is aware of a pipeline of further district heating projects, including potential projects outside Dublin. The majority of projects in the pipeline are in the early stages of their project lifecycles. While some of the projects in the pipeline have already defined the proposed heating technology, others are still considering which heat source best meets requirements. From the available information, almost a third of projects in the pipeline intend to avail of heat from data centres, including the Blanchardstown District Heating Scheme being developed by Fingal County Council. The Department, along with the SEAI's District Heating Centre of Excellence, are working with project sponsors to progress these initiatives.
65. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to address the anticipated surge in electricity demand, as outlined in EirGrid’s most recent assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/25]
View answerThe All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) is an electricity system security study that assesses the balance between electricity generation capacity and electricity demand over the next ten years. The recently published AIRAA 2025-34 shows an improved picture for Ireland's generation adequacy on last years study. This improvement is due to new generation capacity additions, an improved accounting of existing generation (including from renewables) and interconnection capacities. It is also due to risk mitigations, delivered by Government and State agencies, such as the delivery of Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG).
In their publication, EirGrid's median demand scenario forecasts demand to grow by 45% over the next 10 years, primarily driven by Data Centres and New Technology Loads in the short term with electrification of heat and transport becoming a more significant factor towards the end of the decade. This demand will be met by delivering more capacity to generate electricity, both renewable and conventional, and by managing demand to better match times of surplus – what’s called ‘flexible demand’. Delivery of key infrastructure, including grid reinforcements and interconnection will also be important in securing the electricity system.
The growth from large energy users and new tech loads is anticipated growth, as it is exclusively from data centres that were already contracted to connect to the electricity system, prior to the CRU's direction to system operators in November 2021, on how to process data centre grid connections. The Programme for Government seeks to address the grid connection challenge by committing to scale up investment in critical infrastructure and in our electricity grid. It also addresses concerns regarding the sustainability of data centres by committing to allow data centres that contribute both to economic growth and efficient grid usage, by enhancing the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and energy effective solutions.
As set out in the 2021 'Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply', the development of new conventional gas fired generation is a national priority and should be permitted and supported. This will ensure security of electricity supply and support the growth of renewable electricity generation. Dispatchable generation, such as gas fired generation, is necessary to meet electricity demand at times of low renewable output. However, as more renewables are delivered and energised over the coming years, dispatchable generation will be required to run less frequently over the course of a year.
66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the proposals he has to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain support to the mobile phone and broadband taskforce in removing mobile phone and internet black spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18055/25]
View answerIn December 2022, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy was published which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and set out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
The Programme for Government 2025 includes a commitment to “Maintain support to the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in removing mobile phone and internet black spots, especially along roads and rail networks.” with the intention to “… examine the role of 5G in helping to overcome these blackspots.”
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
My Department is currently carrying out a detailed analysis of a range of scenarios where it may be uneconomic for commercial operators to cover premises not part of the NBP with a Gigabit Capable Network (GCN) by 2028. Once this has been done my Department will examine the optimal policy solution/s, including from a cost and legal perspective, to addressing such potential Gigabit Blackspots (GBS).
However, it is also important to note that a number of commercial operators are planning to continue rolling out fibre networks into 2026 and under European State Aid rules any intervention by the State must not be seen to crowd out private investment.
The current iteration of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce runs from April 2022 to April 2025. The Taskforce will be reconstituted and will be co-chaired by Minister O’Donovan in his role as Minister for Communications and Minister Calleary as Minister for Rural and Community Development (DRCD). Both Departments will work together with the key stakeholders to identify key priority areas of focus to continue to overcome barriers for the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in the State, and maintain support in removing mobile phone and internet black spots, especially along roads and rail networks. The Taskforce will also look to examine the role of 5G in helping to overcome these blackspots.
67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagements he has had regarding significant infrastructural projects that fall under his Department, a body under his aegis, or those related to any organisations in which he is a shareholder in his capacity as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17926/25]
View answerI am briefed regularly by my officials, as appropriate, on developments in relation to significant infrastructural projects related to my Department.
68. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the efforts made in recent months to restore broadband and phone infrastructure following storm Éowyn; if consideration will be given to establishing a system to update people on outages in their area, similar to the ESB Powercheck system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16414/25]
View answerFollowing the damage caused to the telecoms networks by Storm Éowyn, on 14 February my colleague Minister O’Donovan met with senior executives of both mobile and fixed telecoms providers to reflect on the lessons to be learned, and measures to be considered to build further resilience into telecommunications networks to avoid, where feasible and practicable, a reoccurrence of the same level of disruption to services. The Minister requested that operators consider implementing a system similar to ESB’s PowerCheck.ie and industry committed to explore the idea and conduct feasibility work.
Since this meeting officials in my Department have been working with industry to progress a plan to improve network resilience to future severe weather events in the near term. This plan will also ensure that future restoration efforts take on board the lessons learned following Storm Éowyn. The development of this plan is ongoing.
My Department will incorporate learnings from Storm Éowyn into its plans for weather emergency preparedness and continue to engage with ComReg and operators to formalise storm response processes and the roles all organisations will play in improving resilience, restoring connectivity and interacting with the national emergency response structures.
To accelerate restoration efforts for their network following Storm Éowyn, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) implemented several measures and were fully mobilised. Crews worked across all counties to restore services as quickly as possible.
My officials have been informed by NBI that the following actions were taken:
• NBI opened and maintained communication channels with Retail Service Providers, providing real-time updates on completed or scheduled repair works, including notifications when service is restored to end users. This system enables providers to notify end users of any updates or changes in real time.
• NBI mobilised four additional subcontractors whose efforts in supporting repair and assurance works have been crucial to reconnecting end users as swiftly as possible.
• NBI liaised with existing subcontractors to ensure that all allocated resources across the National Broadband Plan (NBP) are prioritising storm recovery.
• NBI coordinated the supply of additional materials and equipment to support field teams.
• NBI engaged five fibre-splicing crews from the UK, to assist with repairs.
The activities of other commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband such as Open Eir, Siro and Virgin Media are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
69. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline, given the increasing competing energy needs of both residents and large industries operating in north Kildare and other regions, the medium and long-term strategies that are being put in place to ensure a steady energy supply at sustainable price levels to meet those demands. [18003/25]
View answerThe All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment (AIRAA) is an electricity system security study that assesses the balance between electricity generation capacity and electricity demand over the next ten years. The recently published AIRAA 2025-34 shows an improved picture for Ireland's generation adequacy on last year’s study. This improvement is due to new generation capacity additions, an improved accounting of existing generation (including from renewables) and interconnection capacities. It is also due to risk mitigations, delivered by Government and State agencies, such as the delivery of Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG).
In their publication, EirGrid's median demand scenario forecasts demand to grow by 45% over the next 10 years, primarily driven by Data Centres and New Technology Loads in the short term with electrification of heat and transport becoming a more significant factor towards the end of the decade. This demand will be met by delivering more capacity to generate electricity, both renewable and conventional, and by managing demand to better match times of surplus – what’s called ‘flexible demand’. Delivery of key infrastructure, including grid reinforcements and interconnection, will also be important in securing the electricity system.
The Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain energy costs. 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. A Cross Government Energy Affordability Taskforce is currently being established 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.
70. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update regarding Ireland’s post-2030 wind energy strategy; if work is underway to develop a policy document in this regard; when he expects that work to be complete and a policy document published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/25]
View answerWork is ongoing in my Department to develop both offshore and onshore wind energy strategies.
The Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, published in May 2024, lays out Ireland’s strategy for developing Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), including wind, post-2030. Ireland has set ambitious targets in this area, which will mostly consist of fixed offshore wind in the near-term.
There were 29 actions identified in the Future Framework as important for the future development of ORE and work is ongoing on these across Government, under the direction of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. An update to the policy, showing progress made so far and new actions as necessary, will be published before the end of 2025.
The SEAI is required under Climate Action Plan 2023 to report to DECC on an evidence-based decarbonisation pathway for the electricity system to support Climate Action Plans, inform carbon budgets and provide a basis for future development of the electricity system to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The Decarbonised Electricity System Study (DESS) was designed and is being implemented to meet this requirement. The first phase of DESS involved expert elicitation on topics such as onshore wind, offshore wind, and solar PV. This phase has been completed and results published. The second phase, involving a multi-criteria decision analysis study, will commence shortly and run until 2026, when the final output on an evidence-based pathway to decarbonise the electricity system by 2050 will be published.
The recently published Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future includes a commitment to prioritise the publication of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDGs) for onshore. DHLGH, in conjunction with DECC, is undertaking a focused review of the 2006 WEDGs. The review will address key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
