In response to the severe impact of Storm Éowyn in January, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien has announced plans to bolster the resilience of Ireland’s electricity grid. The government has noted the ESB Networks Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan, which outlines a series of actions aimed at strengthening the network ahead of the coming winter.

The plan, which is to be implemented by the end of October, focuses on key areas including hazard removal, comprehensive network surveying, improved forestry management, increased materials and spares provisions, enhanced resourcing, and innovative measures. This initiative is designed to address the increasing frequency and severity of storms, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of citizens and safeguarding the economy.

Minister O'Brien 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."

-- Advertisement --

A core component of the plan involves the completion of a survey of Ireland's 23,000km electricity network, the remediation of identified hazards, and the implementation of necessary refurbishment works to address storm-related damage. ESB Networks will also significantly increase their stock of materials and spares, aiming to double their storm-specific provisions to ensure rapid response capabilities.

Recognising the challenges posed by forestry in relation to electricity infrastructure, officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Attorney General, and ESB Networks, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Coillte, will assess and propose amendments to relevant legislation. The department intends to seek government approval for changes to forestry corridor regulations to facilitate future resilience work.

The significant support provided by crews from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and across the EU during the aftermath of Storm Éowyn has been acknowledged. Plans are underway to further strengthen international cooperation through the development of mutual storm support arrangements with European network companies later this year.

In parallel, the Chair of the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group has initiated a cross-Government Review of the Response to Storm Éowyn. This review, led by the Department of Housing and Local Government, is expected to conclude by the end of June and will examine the coordination of response measures at both local and national levels.

The ESB Networks Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan is available for viewing on the ESB Networks website.