Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. Planning conditions for particular projects are a matter for the relevant planning authority. EirGrid's role as the designated Transmission System Operator (TSO) includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. EirGrid's expenditure in this role is regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) through a five year price control review process. ESB Networks is the Transmission Asset Owner and, under direction from EirGrid, it carries out all of the relevant tendering and procurement processes taking into account compliance with planning conditions arising from the consenting process in Ireland.
EirGrid is carrying out a public consultation on “Shaping our Electricity Future” and is engaging with communities and stakeholders across Ireland on improving the electricity grid and making it more flexible so that it can carry more renewable generation in the future. EirGrid’s consultation aligns with Ireland’s existing strategy to further reduce carbon emissions from the electricity sector which will be updated in this year’s revision to the Climate Action Plan.