Independent Review - Security of Electricity Supply

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has engaged Mr Dermot McCarthy (former Secretary General to Government and the Department of the Taoiseach) to conduct an independent review into the circumstances requiring emergency measures to be introduced to secure electricity supply over the coming winters.

The review will be conducted by Mr McCarthy under the following Terms of Reference:

• to identify factors which have contributed to the capacity shortfall, including the possible role of the growth in demand for data centres and the associated policy
• to identify factors which contributed to any underestimation of the risk of capacity shortfall
• to identify factors associated with respective roles and responsibilities which may have contributed to this situation
• to identify learning which may be relevant to strengthening policy, capacity, governance and operational effectiveness in this area
• to identify any further technical analysis which may be helpful in this regard

Mr McCarthy has commenced the review and will engage with all relevant Agencies, utility companies and Government Departments during its course. An interim report is due to be presented to the Minister in the Autumn.