Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
300. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the delivery capacity of State bodies responsible for electricity grid development, planning and offshore renewable infrastructure has been assessed against the scale of delivery required to meet 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether workforce capacity within electricity grid operators, planning authorities and consenting bodies has been assessed against the scale of infrastructure delivery required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 304 together.
Investing in and ensuring a fit for purpose electricity grid is a priority for Government. However, issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks (ESBN). EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESBN, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network, both of which make up the electricity grid. EirGrid and ESB Networks are independently regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which in turn is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
The CRU in December published Price Review 6 setting out the up to €18.9 billion investment to take place in our electricity grid over the coming 5 years, split between capital and operational expenditure. Price Review 6 includes updated oversight and governance procedures and is the result of detailed engagement throughout 2025 between the CRU and System Operators. System Operators provided detailed submissions to the CRU to underpin the investment ultimately approved. PR6, coupled with the €3.5 billion equity investment from Government in ESB Networks and EirGrid, ensures that System Operators have the investment required to deliver upon their plans for the electricity grid. The Deputy may wish to engage with EirGrid or ESB Networks regarding the issues raised in the Question. The relevant email addresses are Oireachtas@eirgrid.ie or Oireachtas@esb.ie.
Notwithstanding that the CRU is independent, it is a body under the aegis of my Department, and it must receive approval from myself, as Minister, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, in consultation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, for any increase in its overall staff sanction.
CRU’s Strategic Workforce Plan 2025-2027 was submitted to my Department for consideration seeking consent for various proposed increases in staffing levels across the organisation. The consent request is currently under consideration, in line with the relevant required governance processes.
In December 2025, Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan which contains 30 time bound measures to remove barriers to infrastructure delivery. The work of the Taskforce and implementation of the Action Plan will assist with delivery of critical infrastructure, including the electricity grid. As part of implementation of the Action Plan a review and reform of regulatory and consenting processes for critical infrastructure will be undertaken.
As regards the planning system, I as Minister, have no role in such matters and the Deputy may wish to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, in this regard.
