Local Authority, Regional Assembly & An Coimisiún Pleanála Staff Training - March 2026
Electricity Infrastructure: The Challenges & Opportunities

Ireland’s electricity transmission and distribution systems face significant challenges over the years ahead, not only with supporting decarbonisation and meeting renewable energy targets of having 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030, but also with meeting the significant infrastructural requirements to support socio-economic development, including the Government’s Housing Growth Requirements and the need to plan for approximately 50,000 new houses per annum to 2040. 

Local Authorities and the planning system are at the heart of deliverables being progressed by EirGrid and the ESB to meet these challenges and support the development of sustainable communities.

This webinar set out:

• The remit and functions of both EirGrid and the ESB.
• The challenges ahead with meeting forecast demand, achieving climate targets and addressing decarbonisation.
• The scope of EirGrid & ESBN investment programmes (€18.9 billion combined investment) and their importance for housing delivery and socio-economic development.
• How Local Authorities and planners working in the wider sector can assist with accelerating delivery.

Presentations were delivered by:

• Jennifer Boyle, Senior Planning & Consents Lead, and Leah Kenny, Senior Planner – EirGrid
• Brendan Allen, Planning & Environmental Manager, Engineering & Major Projects – ESB
• Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer, Property, Economic, Community & Cultural Development Department – Fingal County Council
• Nathan Smith, Senior Executive Planner – Laois County Council