Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
315. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if in the context of the Government’s determination to provide substantial additional residential units, he will explain how the ESB which is currently failing to keep pace with current demand for supplies will increase its capacity to meet future needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40195/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of, and issues related to, domestic connections to the electricity grid are matters for ESB Networks under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). ESB Networks are independent of me, as Minister, in the exercise of its functions. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me, as Minister.
The energisation of new connections is a clearly defined process for developers and connection applications are dealt with on sequential, first-come-first-served basis. The time required to connect is dependent on a range of factors including available capacity on the network, physical infrastructure availability, adequate space for new infrastructure such as substations, and the time required to secure authorisations and planning to build the infrastructure, together with supply chain lead times. I am advised that a single individual home may be connected within a number of weeks, whereas a new multi-phase residential development could require a significant amount of new infrastructure to be built. With growing demand across all sectors and long lead times for infrastructure, ESB Networks are advising developers to provide as much notice of their requirements as possible, and to have a connection agreement with ESB Networks in place prior to starting a new development.
The CRU has published Price Review 6, setting out the up to €18.9 billion investment which ESB Networks and EirGrid will make in our electricity grid over the coming 5 years. PR6 represents the largest ever investment in our electricity grid and will facilitate the integration of further renewable energy and increased demand on our system. Over the last four years, ESBN has connected over 147,000 homes and businesses to the distribution network.
ESB Networks and the CRU have respective contact email address for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern (oireachtas@esb.ie, oireachtas@cru.ie).
