Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
249. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is concerned that public capital investment in the electrical grid under NDP will be largely absorbed by data centre expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvesting in and ensuring a fit for purpose electricity grid is a priority for Government and that is why, as part of the update to the NDP, Government approved a €3.5 billion investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure across 2026-2030.
€1.5 billion was transferred to ESB Networks in December 2025 to support investment in the onshore electricity grid. A further €2 billion will be allocated to EirGrid to support the financing of its offshore electricity grid investment plan. The Government equity investment will support Price Review 6, the integration of renewables and help to reinforce vital energy infrastructure against the effects of extreme weather events, thus enhancing the country’s energy security.
Price Review 6 sets out the up to €18.9 billion investment to be undertaken by EirGrid and ESB Networks in our electricity system over the coming 5 years and was published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the independent regulator, in December 2025. Price Review 6 will deliver for our citizens and economy, not just one sector.
The five-year investment package under Price Review 6 will ensure the delivery of unprecedented investment in Ireland’s electricity grid by EirGrid and ESB Networks. This investment will enable the delivery of major upgrades and developments to the electricity network, facilitating housing growth, heat and transport electrification, while driving industrial and economic growth in Ireland.
Price Review 6 will pave the way for the integration into the electricity grid of critical largescale national projects across the NDP portfolio and provide the building blocks upon which further investment will take place in the electricity grid and our economy post 2030.
