Electricity Grid

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Questions (312)

Barry Heneghan

Question:

312. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which his Department plans to address vulnerabilities in the State's electricity transmission grid highlighted by recent extreme weather events, including storm Éowyn, particularly in the context of climate change; the measures being taken to manage existing levels of curtailment and constraint on the system ahead of significant offshore wind integration; the way he plans to mitigate electricity grid operating risks in the period to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10445/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Electricity and Gas Networks Sectoral Adaptation Plan (EGN SAP) aims to enhance the future resilience of the energy sector to the long-term impacts of climate change. The plan will ensure the energy sector can effectively manage risks and maintain service continuity into the future.

Curtailment and constraint are two elements of dispatch down, which also includes oversupply, when generation exceeds demand. Dispatch down is not a matter in which I, as Minister, have any function.

EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for the management of dispatch down and any associated compensatory payments. EirGrid is independent of me as Minister in such matters and operates under the supervision of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.

The Deputy may wish to engage directly with EirGrid in this matter. They may be contacted at oireachtas@eirgrid.ie.