143. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update of the grid as outlined as part of PR6; if he has met with EirGrid and ESB to discuss and programme of works planned out to 2030; if he has been or expects to be presented with a timework of works for delivery; if not, when he expects to see a programme and timeline for project delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65760/26]

The System Operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, have primary responsibility for upgrading our electricity system including planning and constructing new investments in the grid. They are accountable to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities for this responsibility.

However, investing in and ensuring a fit for purpose electricity grid is a key priority for Government and I regularly meet with EirGrid and ESB Networks to monitor the progress of the PR 6 grid investment programme. In July I was delighted to open ESB Networks' new Bracklone 110kV Substation in Laois. Also, in July the Government designated three grid projects as Critical Infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act. These were the North South Interconnector, the Moneypoint 400 kV Series Capacitor and the Letterkenny 100 kV line redevelopment. The System Operators are waiting for confirmation from local authorities that planning conditions have been discharged and I look forward the start of construction on the North South Interconnector. The Moneypoint 400 kV Series Capacitor received permission from Moneypoint 400 kV Series Capacitor has now received planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The PR6 grid investment programme is unprecedented in scale. CRU has approved an investment of up to €18.9 billion in over 500 capital investment projects over the period 2026-2030. These include 29 major transmission infrastructure projects and 32 major distribution substations. 10 of these priority transmission projects are already in construction. One of the priority distribution projects is already completed and three further projects are in construction.

The system operators are making detailed information on the progress of these investments public. For example, in December 2025 CRU published the Transmission Baseline Programme setting out the Transmission projects in PR6 along with associated delivery milestones. EirGrid publishes quarterly updates in respect of delivery against these milestones, available on their web pages.