Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has urged that the Electricity Supply Amendment Bill be advanced without further delay, arguing that stronger electricity resilience is needed to safeguard customers, especially those in rural and vulnerable communities.

He said placing forestry corridors on a statutory footing is vital, warning that people cannot be left without power amid increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

"The Electricity Supply Amendment Bill must be progressed as a matter of urgency to enhance customer reliance and protect communities who are repeatedly affected by power outages," Deputy Brendan Smith said.

Smith added that certainty is urgently required for those living in areas most exposed during storms and extreme weather. He confirmed he has raised the matter again directly with the Minister through further Parliamentary Questions, stressing the need to protect and prepare vulnerable communities, particularly where fallen trees disrupt the electricity network.

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"Being from rural Ireland myself, I have seen first-hand how thousands of homeowners across Cavan and Monaghan have been left without power due to fallen trees during storms," he said.

"It is essential that all stakeholders engage constructively to ensure we are properly prepared for such events in the future."

He welcomed the Minister's comments on the development of an enduring electricity corridor design, informed by an international review of best practice in forestry corridor management, forestry design standards, and structured stakeholder engagement.

Smith also welcomed ESB Networks' establishment of an annual corridor clearance programme, describing it as a "vital tool in our arsenal" to reduce forestry-related outages and enhance customer reliance.

"The work currently underway with stakeholders on forestry corridor management will be crucial in preparing for future storms and serious weather events," Smith added.

He concluded by insisting the government progress the legislation without further delays.