I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 108, 109, 114, 116, 130 and 143 together.
Following Storm Éowyn, I asked ESB Networks (ESB-N) to prepare as a priority a Winter 2025 Resilience Plan to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter. This has been progressing since April and the actions include:-
ESB-N has made hazards safe and progressed remedial works needed to refurbish the network.
ESB-N continues to work with Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify segments of the network at highest future risk. Timber harvesters have been procured and during the summer began to cut timber according to this prioritisation.
Emergency stocks of spare parts and materials are being replenished.
Staffing levels and available contractor resources are being increased through provision of targeted training programmes. In addition, my Department has progressed the issue of permits for skilled workers from outside the EU to advance urgent forestry work.
ESB-N is leading a working group at EU level to establish formal arrangements for mutual aid during extreme weather events.
ESB-N is also increasing the number of access officers who manage engagement with landowners on forestry work. My Department is preparing legislation to enhance ESB-N’s powers to manage vegetation, place the dimensions and conditions of corridors through forestry on a statutory footing, and establish principles for the compensation of affected landowners. Cabinet approved the Heads of this Bill on 29 July and work on advancing the legislation continues.
I should also highlight that significant investment in the electricity grid which supports overall resilience is ongoing. The National Development Plan will provide for the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity to support an unprecedented investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026 – 2030. €2 billion will be provided to EirGrid and €1.5 billion to ESB. This equity will enable both companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion.
We know from Storm Éowyn that there is need for a range of supports to assist communities who are impacted the most. The Review of the response to Storm Éowyn, being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage will look at the humanitarian response and recommendations arising from that Review are expected to come before Government in the next few weeks.
