"Upgrades to the electricity grid crucial as we approach winter"

A Cavan Monaghan TD has said upgrades to the electricity grid are crucial as we approach winter.

Deputy Brendan Smith recently raised the issue in the Dáil, asking Minister for Climate and Energy Darragh O’Brien about measures to strengthen supplies.

Minister O'Brien confirmed that ESB Networks has been working on a Winter 2025 Resilience Plan since April.

The Fianna Fail man said the efforts are welcome, stressing the importance of learning lessons from the damage caused by Storm Éowyn earlier this year.

He added that €3.5 billion has been allocated under the new National Development Plan to support grid infrastructure.

Speaking to Northern Sound he explained the importance of prioritising this for rural people particularly.