Latest news with #DarraghO'Brien
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
New law will allow private wires to free up electricity connection
The 'private wires' policy agreed by Cabinet represents a major shake-up in the way electricity can be delivered and distributed. ESB Networks is currently the only operator legally permitted to manage electricity connections. It installs and owns the cables and wires. The semi-state company is under significant pressure as demand for power grows, with delays in connections frustrating businesses and domestic customers. Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien announced yesterday that a parallel system had been agreed that would operate alongside ESB Networks. Legislation to underpin it would be given priority status, with drafting to begin shortly and enactment expected within 12 months. The law will put the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), in charge of administering private-wires applications. The plan brought to Cabinet highlights several scenarios where it envisages private wires will be frequently sought. A 'generator' such as a wind farm or solar park could provide a direct connection to an adjacent factory without both sides having to connect to the national electricity grid. An existing generator will be able to share its grid connection with a new generator from another firm, saving the new installation waiting for a separate connection. A firm that supplies its own electricity – from a rooftop solar array, for example – will be able to provide electricity directly to a neighbouring customer. ADVERTISEMENT An EV owner will be able to lay their own cable for on-street charging – subject to planning permission. Mr O'Brien stressed the new system would not grant participants any automatic rights of access over third-party lands and that planning permission would still be required for most installations. I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this area However, he said it would enable a faster, more flexible response to the needs of a growing economy. 'This is a very significant reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure,' he said. 'I, and officials in my department, are now focused on the next steps. 'Primary legislation to amend the Electricity Regulation Act allowing for private wires will be enacted. 'Supporting regulations to define standards and processes for granting permission for private wires will be adopted. 'I will also ensure that the CRU is resourced to take on this significant new area of regulation.' The move followed a consultation with industry and the wider public last year and was supported by ESB Networks. The department said the current system would remain the preferred route to connection in most cases.
Irish Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland and the UK extend agreement to cooperate on energy transition goals
IRELAND and the UK have confirmed they will extend an existing agreement supporting greater cooperation between them on shared energy transition goals. In 2023 both nations signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Energy Transition, Offshore Renewables and Electricity Interconnection. The move facilitated increased cooperation between them on a number of specific areas within their goals to transition to renewable energy sources. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien and British Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy sign an extension on their memorandum of understanding extended on energy cooperation This week Ireland's Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien and British Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy, from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, signed an extension to the MOU. The move will allow for further cooperation and information sharing between them on issues such as the decarbonisation of industries and buildings and the development of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen value chains. 'The UK is one of our most important energy partners and there is already good cooperation on energy between both countries,' Minister O'Brien said. 'Since the signing of our energy agreement with the UK in 2023, we have strengthened our energy partnerships on critical areas within the energy transition,' he explained. 'I am particularly delighted that we will now bring our cooperation to additional areas of importance.' He added: "Renewed collaboration with our UK neighbours takes place against the backdrop of a changing and uncertain world. 'Energy markets are currently operating in an increasingly complex world as they continue to grapple with the Russia-Ukraine war, and the crisis in the Middle East, and persistent high inflation. 'This agreement also comes amid a series of recent climate warnings, with the latest warning noting how western Europe experienced its hottest June on record. 'The decarbonisation of our energy systems and the move away from fossil fuels has never been more important." Minister McCarthy said their agreement 'demonstrates the continued strength of our relationship on energy and climate'. "As one of our closest neighbours and allies, Ireland shares common goals with the UK on the need to secure clean, homegrown energy and to end our reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets,' she added. 'We are delighted to stand with Ireland as a climate leader, to protect future generations and deliver growth and energy security for the British and Irish people." After signing the agreement, the ministers held a meeting in Dublin to discuss their 'energy-related ambitions, with energy affordability one of the items top of their discussion agenda', Minister O'Brien's office confirmed. See More: Energy Transition, Ireland, Memorandum Of Understanding, UK
The Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
It's 'challenging' to explain why Ireland's electricity prices are above other countries, says ESRI
ELECTRICITY PRICES IN Ireland have not declined to the same extent as in other EU countries and it's difficult to explain why, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) will tell an Oireachtas committee today. In the body's opening statement, it sets out that the Irish economy will face 'headwinds' in the months ahead due to growing global uncertainty. Specifically addressing energy costs, the ESRI states that Irish energy prices have declined since the heights of the energy crisis in the wake of the war in Ukraine, but despite this, the prices paid by consumers remain at high levels. 'Prices for electricity in particular have not yet declined to the same extent as other EU countries. 'It is challenging to confidently identify the reasons for this, but prices are still largely driven by gas prices, and Ireland has not diversified away from using gas to generate electricity to the same extent as other EU countries,' it states. In May, a Eurostat survey revealed that Irish consumers pay the third-highest costs in Europe for electricity. It found the average Irish household is paying approximately 30% more (around €347 more) per year for electricity than the average EU home. Advertisement The ESRI will tell committee members today that large investments in the electricity grid are required in order to meet growing demand, diversified supply, and to improve efficiency in the network, and the cost of subsidising renewable energy is also likely to increase. This means the cost base of electricity is projected to shift away from variable costs and towards fixed costs, which the ESRI states is 'good for consumers, as it reduces exposure to high price spikes' . However, it goes on to say in its statement that it 'may be regressive, depending on how these fixed costs are recovered by energy companies'. Network tariffs should be designed taking these contributions to costs into account, said the ESRI. Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien told The Journal last month that he had set up an affordability task force within his department to look at options on how to drive affordability. The cost of electricity for Irish customers is still linked at European level to the wholesale gas price, said the minister. O'Brien said he has raised the matter with the European Commission on how to break that link, but said it is a 'medium term' body of work that is needed before any changes will be seen. 'More EU states like Ireland are now producing more renewable energy, yet the energy cost itself is still linked to the wholesale gas prices. So that's something that at an EU level, I can't change that independently for Ireland, that's something that we will be having discussions on at an EU level,' said the minister. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
CIÉ could collapse amid potential €4bn pension liabilities if asset values fall, unions tell workers
The State-owned CIÉ transport group could collapse under the weight of its pension liabilities if asset values fell in any future economic downturn, trade unions have warned members in the companies. In a bulletin to members in Dublin Bus , Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann in advance of a ballot of proposed reforms, the unions maintained that without changes, pension liabilities at the group could, under some estimates, exceed €4 billion within eight years. If agreed, some of the proposed pension reforms would need to be underpinned by legislation. In a letter to Lorcan O'Connor , CIÉ group chief executive, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said if the proposed reforms were backed in the ballots he would 'support and actively progress the process for the preparation and consideration of statutory instruments' needed to bring about changes in the two pension schemes operated within the State transport companies. READ MORE However, Mr O'Brien warned that while he was fully supportive of this process, 'nothing in this letter should be construed as a guarantee by the Minister with respect to any obligation or liabilities of CIÉ and/or the CIÉ pension schemes, or as ministerial consent or confirmation of such statutory instruments'. In a joint document for members, trade unions including the National Bus and Rail Union, Siptu , Connect , Unite and the TSSA said all defined benefit schemes had liabilities which were the valuation of the future pensions promised under their terms. 'Under the funding standard, a defined benefit scheme must have assets in excess of the liabilities with headroom to allow for potential market volatility.' 'The current level of liabilities across both schemes is circa €2.7 billion and with a projected growth in staff, this has been forecasted to surpass €4 billion by 2033.' 'Therefore, in the event of a financial crash, as was the case in 2008, and if the schemes' assets dropped by 10 per cent – 20 per cent, this could collapse the schemes and potentially collapse the group', the report said. Some informed sources maintained that at present the economic value of the group, based on revenue, was about €1.8 billion. At present there are two pension schemes in CIÉ. Under the reform proposals both the regular wages scheme and what is known as the 1951 scheme would be closed to new members. The unions said such a move would 'effectively contain the liabilities to existing levels associated with existing members'. Under the proposed reforms future staff in the transport group would be covered by what is described as a new 'best in class' defined-contribution scheme where pension rates are determined by the amount in the individual's fund on retirement. 'Where new entrants choose to contribute 7 per cent of basic salary or above, their employer will contribute 12 per cent. There is also a range of other contribution levels available to members depending on their own circumstances.' Under the proposals, the group also agreed to provide €32 million to facilitate pension increases to those already retired and who have not had a raise in about 17 years. Such increases would range from 3 per cent to 5 per cent, depending on the date of retirement. The unions said they had sought support from the Minister 'to ensure an acknowledgment of the State's role as the sole shareholder of CIÉ' and that the letter from Mr O'Brien had achieved this purpose. 'The Minister states in the letter that, subject to acceptance of the proposal, he will 'support and actively progress' the process for the implementation of the statutory instruments (legislation), which will underpin your accrued and future benefits'. 'As we would have expected, the letter contains the standard caveats regarding 'guarantees' that have applied to other semi-States and in previous letters of support to CIÉ. This in no way seeks to, nor does it, undermine the clearly stated support from the Minister for Transport as sole shareholder for CIÉ.'
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Commuters in Wicklow get summer heatwave respite as free water filling station installed
The water filling station has been provided by Ecofil, and Bray's railway station is one of the first locations under the new agreement which will see the rollout of the provider's 'Iconic-V Outdoor Bottle Filling Station' across Irish Rail locations nationwide. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Irish Rail, aims to promote environmental responsibility and reduce single-use plastic among rail passengers. In the coming weeks, four additional stations will benefit, as Malahide, Drogheda, Mallow and Limerick will have the Iconic-V Filling Station installed, significantly expanding access to free and clean drinking water for rail users across the country. The installation reflects the busy and diverse footfall the station sees daily from commuters and tourists exploring the area. It offers a convenient and sustainable amenity that supports reduced plastic waste and promotes refilling over single-use bottles, aligning with wider environmental goals across the Irish Rail network. Commenting on the initiative, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien said: 'Providing free, premium filtered water at our train stations is a simple but effective way to encourage more sustainable behaviours. Initiatives like this, delivered through collaboration with forward-thinking companies like Ecofil, are key to delivering a greener, cleaner public transport system for everyone.' Jimmy Guerin, director of Ecofil, added: 'This partnership with Irish Rail represents a major step forward in our mission to make sustainable hydration accessible and convenient. Having one of our first units live at Bray Station demonstrates just how impactful our water filling stations can be. We are proud to be supporting both public health and the environment at such a visible level.' This initiative reflects Irish Rail's ongoing commitment to environmental innovation and complements broader efforts across the transport sector to reduce the environmental footprint of daily travel. The rollout aligns with government sustainability goals and efforts to reduce plastic waste across the public transport network. Ecofil designs and manufactures innovative water dispensing solutions that support sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact. As part of the ERG Group, based in Finglas and employing 38 people, Ecofil is helping communities across Ireland eliminate single-use plastics and embrace a greener future.
