I note the recent report of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Solar Energy and the Agriculture Industry, and its recommendations as they relate to Direct Lines. As the Deputy will be aware Direct Lines are currently allowed for in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended.
Climate Action Plan 2023 includes a commitment to carry out a public consultation on Private Wires and a deadline for publication of Q4 2023 has been set. Private wires are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders, and I note the engagement of the Committee with stakeholders on this matter. The consultation on Private Wires is broader than Direct Lines and as such detailed consideration must go into formulating the consultation in order to ensure that all aspects of the policy area are considered.
Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of Private Wires is a priority for me. Work on this policy area is ongoing within my Department with my officials engaging directly in recent months with interested stakeholders as part of the consultation formulation process.
My officials look forward to their continued engagement with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.
