Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
67. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the widespread undergrounding of the national electricity cable network, in view of the many interruptions to services during the regular storms and the dangers that follow for repair crews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will be assessing the worst-affected areas from Storm Éowyn and ensuring that relevant energy infrastructure is a strong as possible to avoid such a debilitating situation in future storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way his Department is preparing to ensure that Ireland's energy system is better prepared in the face of weather events such as the recent Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2927/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts being made by the ESB to ensure that the electricity network is more robust to withstanding disruptions to supply caused by severe weather-related events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 80, 85 and 87 together.
The 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 (CRU). Notwithstanding this, as Minister I have requested that a number of actions be taken, including an enhanced Winter 2025 Winter Grid Resilience Plan, which will be implemented by ESB Networks between March and October. Furthermore, ESB networks has already identified a number of initial actions, including the creation of forestry corridors to protect overhead line networks and enhancement of already strong networks with partners across Europe. It is not anticipated that the additional cost associated with the storm will materially impact on customer or consumer bills in 2025, or in future years.
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. 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 matters of these question Deputies may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks and EirGrid regarding the issues raised. The CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern.
