After the impact of Storm Éowyn, the Minister met with representatives from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and ESB Networks, to discuss a response plan.
Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan
The measures that O’Brien has requested include a Winter 2025 electricity grid Resilience Plan – that will be developed in the next month and implemented by ESB from March to October. Initial actions include increasing the stock holding of spare parts for the electricity grid, creating forestry corridors to protect overhead line corridors, and enhancing relationships with partners across Europe.
Review of Grid Enhancement Plans Post-Storm Éowyn
The Minister has also requested a full review by ESB and CRU, as part of the PR6 (Sixth Annual Price Review) decision-making process of the planned grid enhancement and in light of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, with specific additional projects and investments identified to future-proof Ireland’s energy electricity grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Commitment to Restoring Power
The Minister has received assurances from ESB Networks that they are taking all actions necessary to restore power to customers. O'Brien said: "These storms are becoming more regular and more destructive, and there is a need to take immediate action to ensure that we increase the resilience of the electricity grid system, and therefore of the country, to this type of event. I met with representatives from the CRU and ESB Networks to discuss the Storm Éowyn response and the impact on customers. A number of actions emerged from these discussions, and I have outlined these actions in a memo to the government, which has been considered today."
Focus on Customer Safety and Wellbeing
"While the actions I set out are crucial to increasing the resilience of the electricity grid system in the wake of Storm Éowyn, my priority, and the priority for government, has been and remains to be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens – by assisting the restoration of power to all as quickly and as safely as possible, and to ensure that all vulnerable customers are looked after in whatever manner is needed."
Efforts to Restore Power Across Ireland
"As of this afternoon, 18,000 customers remain without power. ESB Networks have restored power to 750,000 customers. I know that some customers are without power for nearly two weeks in some areas, due to the scale of the damage to the electricity grid. Every effort is being made to restore electricity to the remaining customers as soon as possible. I have and will continue to engage directly with ESB Networks to ensure that they have the full support of the State to respond to the storm."
Providing Support to Vulnerable Customers
"We are providing support to vulnerable individuals who are without power and will continue to do so. I know that colleagues in ESB Networks are working with A Garda Síochána, the HSE, and other departments and agencies to ensure every vulnerable customer gets assistance."
Government’s Investment in Strengthening the Electricity Grid
Chris Collins, Country President of Ireland at Schneider Electric said: “The Government’s investment in strengthening Ireland’s energy and economic resilience is a welcome step amid growing climate challenges and global uncertainty. Enhancing electricity grid infrastructure – through increased spare parts, forestry corridors, and a more resilient network – will help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent. Equally important is preparing for potential transatlantic trade shocks, particularly as Ireland grapples with high energy costs and ongoing reliance on foreign energy supplies."
Future-Proofing Ireland’s Electricity Grid
"To truly future-proof our energy system, we must accelerate investment in a smarter, decentralised electricity grid that integrates renewable-powered microgrids. Digital tools can help regulate power consumption and make the most of existing capacity in the short term, while long-term investments in sustainable infrastructure will be essential for energy security, affordability, and resilience in the years ahead.”
