Ireland’s energy infrastructure is lacking, says Heneghan

Independent TD Barry Heneghan has called on the government to support his legislation, which he believes would reduce pressure on Ireland’s national grid.

The Dublin Bay North TD, who was an engineer prior to politics, has introduced Dáil legislation which he says would help Ireland make better use of locally generated renewable energy.

Heneghan’s comments follow new figures showing that enough wind energy to power around 667,000 homes was wasted in the first half of 2026 because Ireland’s electricity grid could not carry all of the renewable electricity being produced. 

Heneghan said that his legislation would establish a clear regulatory system for direct electricity lines, commonly known as private wires.

This would allow renewable energy producers, businesses, communities and developments to supply electricity directly to nearby customers rather than requiring every unit of electricity to travel through the already constrained public grid, he explained.

“The latest figures show exactly why Ireland cannot afford to delay modernising how we use renewable electricity. We are producing clean energy, but far too much of it is simply being wasted because our infrastructure and regulations have not kept pace,” he said.

Heneghan said the lack of action from the government was “extremely frustrating.”

“That’s electricity we are producing that is just going back into the ground. It’s being wasted,” he said.

“And in the meantime, Irish people are paying some of the highest rates in Europe per kilowatt hour,” he noted.

Heneghan said Ireland must continue investing in strengthening the national grid and expanding battery storage, but said those long-term projects should be complemented by practical measures that can deliver benefits much sooner.

“My Bill would provide a proper legal and safety framework for direct lines, allowing locally generated renewable electricity to be supplied directly to nearby homes, businesses and other customers.

He said, “this (the legislation) would reduce unnecessary pressure on the national grid, unlock renewable energy projects and allow consumers to benefit more directly from cheaper, clean electricity.”

The bill would place the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in charge of approving and regulating direct lines, including setting technical and safety standards. Applications would have to be decided within six months, while refusals would require clear reasons.

Heneghan also pointed to the United Kingdom’s decision to legalise plug-in solar panels, which allow households to generate electricity through an ordinary mains socket.

“The ESB and EirGrid would welcome this, but everything takes so long here. One little change that could save people money, and it’s not done.”

Heneghan said the latest figures reinforce the need for practical reforms that make better use of Ireland’s existing renewable energy while major grid upgrades continue.

“Grid investment is essential and must continue, but we also need practical solutions that can be implemented now. My bill is one of those solutions. We cannot continue producing clean electricity and then throwing it away while households struggle with high energy bills.

“The government should support this bill and allow Ireland’s communities, businesses and renewable energy producers to become part of the solution,” the independent TD said.