Written Answers Nos. 21-41
22. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he and his Department are taking to establish serious offences for environmental damage, creating personal liability and introducing strict penalties for company directors whose actions harm the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65642/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the Deputy, following engagement with officials, has further clarified that this Question is directed toward environmental damage to ecosystems.
As such, functional responsibility for matters related to the protection and conservation of Ireland’s biodiversity, which may include the extensive destruction, damage to, or loss of ecosystems, is a matter for National Parks and Wildlife Service under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
More broadly, the EPA, an agency under the aegis of my department, is committed to protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of pollution, including compliance with environmental laws. To that end, the Agency has a wide range of enforcement powers, including statutory powers that are contained in environmental law.
With respect to licensing, the Agency has scope to add conditions to licences, prohibit the issuing of a licence that causes significant environmental pollution, issue notifications and instructions; and can include prosecution, injunction and ultimately the suspension or revocation of the licence, permit or authorisation.
The Agency also holds powers under the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations, with reference to the prevention and remediation of environmental damage. These regulations transposed the Environmental Liability Directive and came into force in April 2009. The EPA is designated as the Competent Authority for all aspects of these Regulations.
In addition to the existing powers of the Agency, I also note several EU Directives of relevance to the question of penalties or offences and environmental damage. The transposition of the Industrial Emissions Directive is currently underway by my department and provides for the development of an appropriate penalties’ framework related to environmental damage. While Ireland's future opt-in to the new Environmental Crimes Directives, providing for measures to prevent and combat environmental crime, is planned for review in 2027.
23. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his response to a recent United Nations Environment Programme report which concluded that global warming is certain to overshoot the 1.5C threshold; if he is satisfied that Ireland has to date made its fair contribution towards limiting global warming; if this Government will now significantly scale up its climate action measures to play our part in limiting the overshoot of the threshold and reach the legally binding targets that we have committed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65978/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government to implement climate mitigation measures every day. We have a robust climate delivery framework and detailed plans in place across all sectors.
The UNEP Limiting Overshoot report, published on 2nd September this year, sets out the stark picture the global community is faced with in our collective efforts to combat climate change.
Ireland is making progress and the EPA's latest provisional greenhouse gas emissions inventory, published in July, shows that Ireland has recorded overall emission reductions for a fourth consecutive year and all main sectors saw reductions in 2025. Emissions from energy industries decreased for the fourth consecutive year, to an all-time low as investment in renewables continues to reduce emissions, and CO2 per household is now at its lowest ever level.
Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 36 years which is notable given a concurrent population increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. Given the strong economic growth over this period, we can now see a clear decoupling of growth from emissions which is a key milestone in Ireland's transition to climate neutrality.
Significantly, the EPA's report shows that the first carbon budget has now been achieved on the back of these record emissions reductions.
Going forward, my priority is driving implementation, particularly of high impact measures with multiple societal and economic benefits. This will be reflected in the next update to the Climate Action Plan, which is currently being developed across Government and will be published this year.
24. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his proposals to support consumers financially burdened by rising energy prices. [65973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine have caused significant disruption to global energy markets. The Government recognises the pressure that resulting high energy prices are placing on Irish consumers and businesses.
We have introduced a series of measures to reduce fuel prices and further measures are under consideration by the National Energy Affordability Taskforce and as part of the Budgetary process.
Specifically on fuel, the package of Government support measures, which now totals over €1.4 billion, is helping to reduce the cost burden at the petrol pump and assists key sectors such as agriculture and haulage that are critical to keeping our economy moving.
A range of measures in Budget 2026 also supported households with energy costs, including:
• an extension until 2030 of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity bills;
• enhanced social protection payments including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate and an expansion in the eligibility rules; as well as
• the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration which was extended for a further three years to end-2028.
Budget 2026 also provided a record allocation of €640 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's residential and community grant schemes, allowing us to target 73,000 home energy upgrades this year.
Simple upgrades like attic insulation, cavity wall, or external wall insulation can reduce heating bills by up to €230 annually. A full home retrofit can lead to savings of €750 to €1,120 per year on energy costs.
Almost 89,000 applications have been processed to end August 2026. This compares to 41,100 applications received to end August last year. This is a 116% increase year on year and follows changes to the schemes that I introduced earlier this year.
Capital expenditure of over €2 billion has delivered over 287,000 home energy upgrades from 2019 to end August 2026, including over 39,500 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
A number of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers have hardship funds and focused measures in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty, and will not disconnect customers who engage with them.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce is working intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs.
Budget decisions will be announced on the 6th of October.
25. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether consideration is being given to the introduction of a boiler replacement or scrappage scheme for households that do not qualify for assistance under the SEAI warmer homes scheme; the supports currently available to assist such households in replacing older, inefficient and high-emission heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65967/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible.
The SEAI residential and community retrofit programmes are available to households, including those reliant on fossil fuel boilers for heating. Under the part-funded schemes, grants are available for installing heat pumps in place of fossil fuel heating systems. In recent years a range of measures have been put in place to incentivise take-up, including most recently under the new National Residential Retrofit Plan (NRRP).
Announced in January, the NRRP makes retrofitting supports more accessible, allowing access to windows and doors grants as individual measures, and increasing grants for insulation and heat pumps.
Specifically, for heat pumps:
(i) the heat pump system grant was expanded for a maximum total grant value of up to €12,500;
(ii) a new grant of €6,500 is available for replacement of an existing end of life heat pump which is out of warranty and where the in-situ heat pump has not previously been SEAI grant-aided; and
(iii) the VAT rate for heat pumps was reduced to 9% in January 2025.
Established June 2025, the cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce’s (NEAT) first report helped inform key aspects of Budget 2026, including new measures to further support householders in the NRRP 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades, in particular for lower-income households at risk of energy poverty, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. The Action Plan will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks and will inform measures for consideration in Budget 2027.
26. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding developing guidelines for solar farms. [65912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSolar energy, through rooftops and large scale solar farms, is rapidly increasingly in importance in terms of supplying growing energy demand and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, both in Ireland and globally. Last month, I announced that Ireland reached a record 3 Gigawatts of solar generation capacity, with utility scale solar meeting over a third of national electricity demand on the grid at one point.
Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum and harnessing our indigenous solar energy as a part of a renewable, secure and affordable energy system.
To support this ambition, the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce planning guidelines for solar farms. Planning matters fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who, I have been advised, is preparing a new national planning statement on solar energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.
I am further advised that, as part of that work, a scoping process remains at an early stage to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of a national planning statement for solar energy development.
The ESB has indicated that Ireland could expect the 8GW target for solar in Ireland by 2030 to require an area equal to 0.26% of all agricultural land, based on a similar study in the UK.
Under the Government’s Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department will continue to liaise and work closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the ongoing planning reforms, including the alignment of local development plans and regional spatial and economic strategies with national targets and regional allocations for solar and wind in the National Planning Framework.
27. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of funding transferred from the NORA levy to the Climate Action Fund (CAF) in each of the years from 2020 to 2025; the projected transfer for 2026; the total annual expenditure drawn down from CAF over the same period; the current unspent balance remaining in the fund’s account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64909/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Fund (CAF) is a cornerstone of climate action funding in Ireland and, to date, has funded a range of important initiatives, including:
• over 1,500 community-based projects supported through local authorities;
• Ireland's’ first operational district heating system in South Dublin, using “waste heat” to heat public buildings and homes;
• the largest nationwide EV charging network (ESB eCars) and the EV scrappage scheme;
• the installation of solar panels on over 2,600 schools with more progressing through the tender process; and
• energy upgrades to a wide range of public buildings through the Pathfinder project.
To date, the total amount of funding transferred from the NORA levy to the CAF amounts to €493m. That includes:
• €124m in 2021;
• €92m in 2022;
• €80m in 2023;
• €100m in 2024; and
• €97m in 2025.
As part of recent measures taken by Government to address the affordability of fuel, the NORA levy has been temporarily reduced. While this reduction in levy income is likely to cause a reduction in the funds available in 2026, the exact impact on the income to the fund will only be known at the end of September when NORA can provide details on the exact amounts collected.
The CAF balance at the end of August is €248m with a total expenditure of €266.9 million. Last year the CAF expenditure exceeded its income for the first time and a further €256m has been allocated to projects out to 2030, with further additional proposals currently being considered. We are taking a proactive approach to further funding.
We are confident that the CAF can continue have a real impact on local communities, support innovation and drive meaningful change.
28. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commission a report into the number of data centres that the Irish energy grid and water networks can handle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid, as transmission system operator, is responsible for the operation and planning of the electricity transmission system. EirGrid balance supply and demand continually while also planning for Ireland’s long-term electricity needs.
Ireland has attracted some of the best data centre and tech companies in the world. When considering their impact, we must also weigh wider economic benefits including tax revenues, employment, broader digital infrastructure value and significant support and linkages provided to other high value sectors of the economy. The Government acknowledges the need to balance the opportunities and challenges being faced and continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future.
The Large Energy-User Action Plan (LEAP), published in January 2026, sets out the Government’s approach to planning for sustainable new energy intensive industrial developments. It prepares for a plan-led approach to the location of very large energy user (LEU) sectors, especially in the period beyond 2030, aligned with other strategic Government priorities, such as provision of housing, transport and water.
Through LEAP, a range of LEU development scenarios including spatial considerations will be assessed to inform policy choices going forward and to support a more integrated approach to a plan-led energy system across the System Operators, the regulator and Government.
Water usage management and conservation across commercial and industrial (non-domestic) sectors, including data centres, is an operational matter under the remit of Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann have advised that overall, data centres are not a major driver of demand on the public water supply network. It is my understanding that they account for, on average, less than 0.3% of the water supplied by Uisce Eireann.
29. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to reduce waiting times under the warmer homes scheme; the target waiting time for applicants by the end of 2026 and 2027; and whether additional delivery capacity will be put in place to ensure increased funding results in a corresponding increase in completed home energy upgrades. [65127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of the Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.
The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty. Over 8,100 homes were upgraded last year, 109% of the annual target.
Over 6,800 upgrades were completed under the scheme to end August 2026, an increase of 38% on the same period last year. For the first half of the year the average waiting time from application to contractor allocation under the scheme was 15 months. The overall waiting time from application to works completed was 23 months.
A range of measures have been introduced by my Department and the SEAI to reduce overall waiting times including the establishment of a new €1.2 billion contractor panel this year with additional contractors. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
The SEAI has also developed a Waiting List Action Plan with the objective of reducing the number of clients waiting for an upgrade, ensuring prioritisation of the worst performing homes, and improving efficiencies across the scheme.
To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
30. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to ensure that local communities are provided with clear, accessible and comprehensive information regarding large-scale renewable energy developments, including solar farms, battery energy storage systems and associated grid infrastructure. [64931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning and development matters are the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the relevant planning authorities. The development of the national electricity network is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks.
All developers of renewable energy projects, as well as storage providers and related grid infrastructure, are expected to comply with relevant planning, consenting and regulatory requirements and to engage actively and constructively with local communities in line with international best practice.
Under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), supported projects are required to establish Community Benefit Funds to provide direct benefit to communities. At the same time, they are an important mechanism for supporting meaningful engagement between generators and communities. They provide a structured way for communities to participate in, and benefit from, renewable energy development.
In relation to storage, the 2024 Electricity Storage Policy Framework sets out the relevant safety and regulatory requirements, helping to provide clarity for communities. SEAI has also published a Battery Storage Manual of Consenting Procedures.
Engaging with local communities in terms of grid infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks. Community engagement with local communities is central to EirGrid’s grid project management when planning, building and upgrading grid infrastructure.
More broadly, this year my Department launched the ‘Our Energy, Our Future’ information campaign with the aim of building public support for the energy transition by highlighting the opportunities presented by renewables. Further iterations of the campaign are in the planning stages.
These measures support constructive engagement with communities. This is essential to delivering renewable, storage and grid infrastructure that is vital for strengthening security of supply and for reducing Ireland’s exposure to volatile prices of imported fossil fuels.
31. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will expand the role of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to regulate retail consumer energy prices. [65840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned consumer protection functions under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation and has statutory responsibility for the compliance by energy suppliers with their consumer protection obligations. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Regulation of retail prices in the electricity market ended in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014.
The role and remit of CRU, underpinned by the Electricity Regulation Act (1999) and associated revisions, is to ensure an open market with effective competition within both wholesale and retail markets.
The Programme for Government 2025 makes a commitment to "prioritise a review and reform of the legislation underpinning the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU)" and to "emphasise that low costs for households and businesses are a central tenet in the updated mandate of the CRU".
Comprehensive work has been carried out by my Department, working with the CRU, to undertake a review of its leadership structures, resourcing requirements, functions, and accountability mechanisms, as committed to under Actions 21 and 26 of the Energy Security Package.
The objective of the review is to ensure that Ireland has a best-in-class energy regulator that is structured and equipped to deal with current and future demands, and to ensure decarbonisation is achieved in a secure and cost-effective manner while protecting consumers.
My officials will continue to engage with the CRU and relevant stakeholders as work progresses on the review and reform of the legislative framework underpinning the regulator.
Additionally, approval has been given to CRU (March 2026) for 60 new whole time equivalent positions, to meet its strategic objectives.
This brings the sanctioned headcount for CRU to 263. My Department will liaise with CRU in relation to reporting on the recruitment and allocation of the additional staff, on a phased basis, over the next two years.
32. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of wind energy development guidelines as initiated by the Department for Housing; Local Government and Heritage. [64891/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has being working in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who have responsibility for planning matters, on a review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines which will inform a new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024. The National Planning Statement on Wind Energy will address key matters including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
In collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department has also been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose to support our target of meeting 80% of our electricity demand from renewable sources.
I am advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will undertake a public consultation on the draft National Planning Statement, whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft before its finalisation.
Pending the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the up-to-date position in relation to the implementation of additional legislative measures to protect electricity transmission lines and enable the establishment of forestry corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65863/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 continues to be progressed by my Department as a key element of the Government's work to strengthen the resilience of Ireland's electricity network in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The overarching objective remains to ensure that electricity infrastructure and forestry can coexist in a manner that delivers a secure and resilient electricity supply for homes, farms, businesses and communities.
Substantial progress has been made in developing the legislative proposals. Revised Heads of Bill have been prepared and my officials continue to engage, as a matter of priority, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, ESB Networks, the Office of the Attorney General and other stakeholders. Discussions have focused on a number of important implementation issues including forestry corridor composition, compensation arrangements and the long-term management of forestry adjacent to electricity infrastructure.
The proposed legislation continues to provide for enhanced proactive vegetation management powers, including powers to address vegetation likely to interfere with the network, the establishment and maintenance of forestry corridors and statutory measures to ensure that future forestry takes account of electricity infrastructure.
It is intended to bring the revised Heads of Bill to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval to proceed to drafting and also to continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the final legislative framework is practical, proportionate and capable of supporting the long-term resilience of the electricity network while respecting forestry and landowner interests.
34. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions being taken to address delays in the development of offshore wind energy projects; the reasons a number of projects remain behind schedule; the impact these delays will have on the achievement of Ireland's offshore renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on progress to deliver offshore wind; the earliest date a project will commence construction; the projects and work he anticipates will have been delivered by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65905/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 52 together.
Five Phase 1 offshore wind projects are in development off our east coast, with a planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts (GW). All are advanced in the planning system with An Coimisiún Pleanála. While planning decisions are taking longer than the projects may have originally anticipated, I understand it was necessary for An Coimisiún Pleanála to make significant requests for further information (RFIs) to the projects and the responses from the projects took some time. Despite this, An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected to make two determinations before the end of this year and three others to follow in the first half of 2027. I understand that later decision dates reflect later initial application dates and later responses to the RFIs. Subject to planning consent, I anticipate that projects will be in construction over the next few years and operational in the early 2030s.
The Phase 2 Tonn Nua project off the coast of Waterford is progressing well since approval in 2025 and will add a further 900 megawatts of capacity, making a total 4.7 GW of planned capacity in development. Tonn Nua was the first of four sites to be brought to auction from the South Coast DMAP.
Building on the 4.7 gigawatts of projects already in development, I am planning for Ireland’s next offshore wind auction in 2027 of the 1 GW Lí Ban site, located off the coast of Waterford in the South Coast DMAP. Site surveys are already underway to inform auction participants and work on planning a connection to the onshore grid is nearing completion.
35. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures that are being taken to reduce household electricity bills. [65958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to improve energy affordability. [64895/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his Department's assessment of the outlook for household electricity and gas prices over winter 2026–2027, in view of continuing disruption to LNG supply through the Strait of Hormuz; the contingency measures in place to protect households at risk of energy poverty; and the engagement he has had with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on customer protections for the coming winter. [65859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to reduce the cost of electricity to households. [64789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 37, 39 and 48 together.
The conflicts in the Middle East and in Ukraine have caused significant disruption to global energy markets. The Government recognises the pressure that resulting high energy prices are placing on Irish consumers and businesses.
We have introduced a series of measures to reduce fuel prices and further measures are under consideration by the National Energy Affordability Taskforce and as part of the Budgetary process.
Specifically on fuel, the package of Government support measures, which now totals over €1.4 billion, is helping to reduce the cost burden at the petrol pump and assists key sectors such as agriculture and haulage that are critical to our economy.
A range of measures in Budget 2026 also supported households with energy costs, including:
• an extension until 2030 of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity bills;
• enhanced social protection payments including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate and an expansion in the eligibility rules; as well as
• the €400 income tax disregard for households involved in microgeneration which was extended for a further three years to end-2028.
Budget 2026 also provided a record allocation of €640 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's residential and community grant schemes, allowing us to target 73,000 home energy upgrades this year.
Capital expenditure of over €2 billion has delivered over 287,000 home energy upgrades from 2019 to end August 2026, including over 39,500 fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme.
A number of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers have hardship funds and focused measures in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty, and will not disconnect customers who engage with them.
It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce is working intensively on an Energy Affordability Action Plan to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. This Action Plan will be focused on short, medium and longer-term measures to support households and businesses to meet their energy costs.
36. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the general scheme of the Private Wires Bill 2025; and when he expects legislation to be introduced. [65701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the general scheme of the Private Wires Bill 2025; and when he expects legislation to be introduced. [66229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 150 together.
The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill 2025 was approved by Government on 16 December 2025. My Department has been engaging with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to progress the drafting of the legislation required to establish a private wires regime.
The introduction of a regime to provide for privately owned electricity wires is a priority for this Government. It is intended that the Bill will be introduced later this year and will complete its passage through the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
38. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the national framework governing the development and operation of battery energy storage systems; and whether he plans to review current guidance relating to safety standards and emergency response procedures. [64932/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that several Government Departments, State bodies and public authorities have specific roles regarding the safety and regulation of grid-connected electricity storage.
In July 2024, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the safety and regulatory regime in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, outlining the roles and remits of the relevant bodies.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, consideration for specific battery energy storage system (BESS) planning guidelines under wider solar guidelines for local authorities is ongoing within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Until the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, I am advised that the current planning system provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the proper planning and sustainable development of such systems which may be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the relevant County Development Plan and Government Policy as applicable.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, supports fire authorities by establishing fire service policy, setting national standards for fire safety and fire service provision, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. I understand that County Fire Officers may engage with and advise planning authorities to ensure that electricity storage installations are designed and built in a way that ensures adequate consideration is given to local fire safety concerns.
In relation to standards, all batteries used in grid-connected electricity storage systems on the Irish grid are manufactured, sold and operated in line with EU regulations and standards. The 2023 EU Batteries Regulation requires that batteries placed on the EU market are certified to conform with various sustainability, safety, labelling, information and due diligence requirements.
40. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to ensure that investment in electricity generation and grid infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand from households, businesses and large energy users. [65913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid has statutory responsibility for planning, developing and operating the transmission system. EirGrid’s planning is supported by its Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios process which considers a range of potential future demand and generation pathways, and by its statutory Network Development Plan. EirGrid will update its scenarios and network plans as Government policy, forecast demand, generation development and other relevant assumptions evolve. EirGrid’s Future Network Vision is an initial, scenario-based assessment of longer-term transmission needs, intended to inform that ongoing planning work.
Investment in the grid by EirGrid and ESBN is overseen by and agreed with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in 5-year cycles called Price Reviews. Last year’s Price Review 6 (PR6) decision set out the largest ever electricity grid investment programme of up to €18.9 billion. This landmark investment will upgrade and reinforce Ireland’s existing grid and deliver critical new infrastructure to meet future demand. Government is supporting PR6 with an unprecedented €3.5 billion equity investment in ESB and EirGrid.
I expect similar levels of investment in grid infrastructure will be needed in the 2030s. My officials are working to ensure the electricity network companies are structured and funded appropriately to support this.
EirGrid publishes an annual All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment which forecasts supply and demand on the all-island electricity grid over the next ten years. The forecast shows that Ireland’s electricity security of supply is improving year-on-year.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship support scheme for grid-scale renewable electricity generators. RESS auctions will take place annually. This will provide a consistent pathway for the continued deployment of new renewable electricity projects. RESS 6 is due for completion in November and is expected to see strong competition.
41. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the input his Department has had into the development of the revised Wind Energy Guidelines. [65691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has being working in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who have responsibility for planning matters, on a review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, which will inform a new National Planning Statement on Wind Energy under the new Planning and Development Act 2024. The National Planning Statement on Wind Energy will address key matters including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
In collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, my Department has also been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect which is highly technical in nature. The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose to support our target of meeting 80% of our electricity demand from renewable sources.
I am advised that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will undertake a public consultation on the draft National Planning Statement, whereby all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit observations on the draft before its finalisation.
Pending the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
