Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
115. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the work he has undertaken to engage with the rental car industry in relation to increasing the electricity grid capacity at airports to remove a significant impediment to increasing the use of EV cars by this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of connection agreements for customers of ESB Networks is an operational matter for ESB Networks. It is not one in which the Minister has any function. The development of electricity grid capacity and the provision of connections for customers are the responsibility of the national Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, and Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks.
These system operators are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their respective functions, and both are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
Ireland, like many other European countries, is experiencing high demand for new electrical connections. This demand is driven by a growing population, the electrification of heat and transport, increased industrial activity, housing targets and large energy users.
To ensure the continued delivery of grid capacity to allow the provision of new connection agreements to customers, including those for electric vehicle infrastructure, the Government is providing both vital investment and coordinated cross-government action.
My Department is in regular engagement with the CRU and system operators to work to develop grid capacity and facilitate customer connections. Our Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce brings together these organisations to focus on identifying key barriers and potential solutions to accelerating the delivery of critical grid infrastructure. This work complements that of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce to deliver connections to enterprise and housing, including those required by electrical vehicle rental companies.
