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Survey of 23,000km electricity network to start

Plans to enhance the resilience of Ireland’s electricity grid have been announced by Darragh O’Brien (Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy).

They will include hazard removal and surveying, forestry management, materials and spares review, resourcing and innovation measures.

The ESB Networks Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan was published (8 April) following Storm Éowyn in January, one of the most severe weather events ever to hit Ireland.

The plan would be implemented before the end of October and was aimed at enhancing grid resilience in the areas most affected by the recent storm, the minister said.

“The type of storm we have seen in recent years is becoming more frequent and more damaging and therefore it is vital that we take action to ensure the resilience of our electricity system.

“This increased resilience will help to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people of Ireland, particularly our most vulnerable citizens, as well as helping to safeguard our economy,” he said.

Part of the plan will involve completing the survey of the 23,000km of Ireland’s electricity network, making hazards safe, and identifying remedial works needed to refurbish areas of the network weakened in the recent storm.

Materials supply

ESB Networks will also replenish its materials supply, which was depleted during the recent storm season, with the intention to quickly double in size the storm-specific provisions.

Officials will continue to assess legislation relating to forestry and its relationship to electricity infrastructure and are expected to shortly seek approval for amendments on forestry corridors and the electricity grid.

Crews from Great Britain and the North and across the EU assisted in the restoration of electricity supplies following Storm Éowyn, with further co-operation planned.

Separately, the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group chair has commenced a cross-Government review of the response to Storm Éowyn, which is expected to be completed by the end of June.