In 2024, Ireland experienced a significant surge in electricity outages, with counties like Clare, Kerry, and Carlow reporting alarming increases. This trend has raised concerns about the resilience of the nation’s electrical infrastructure and the adequacy of investment in maintenance and upgrades.

Clare: A 9% Increase in Power Cuts

Clare recorded 1,717 power outages in 2024, marking a 9% rise from the previous year. While this increase is below the national average of 22%, it underscores the need for infrastructural improvements in the county. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú attributed the situation to a lack of investment, stating that Clare’s electrical infrastructure requires a major overhaul.

Kerry: A 58% Surge in Outages

Kerry witnessed a dramatic 58% increase in power cuts between 2023 and 2024, with the ESB’s Killarney planner group recording 2,308 outages, up from 1,612 the previous year. This significant rise has prompted calls for ESB Networks to provide clarity on the reasons behind the surge and to outline plans for addressing the issue.

Carlow: A 28% Rise in Power Interruptions

In Carlow, the Kilkenny planner group, which covers most of the county, reported a 28% increase in power cuts, rising from 1,381 in 2023 to 1,766 in 2024. MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú expressed significant concerns about ESB Networks’ performance, emphasizing the impact of frequent outages on both domestic and business customers.

National Perspective: A 22% Increase in Outages

Across Ireland, there were 64,754 power cuts in 2024, both planned and unplanned, representing a 22% increase from the 53,067 outages recorded in 2023. This upward trend highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive review of the nation’s electrical infrastructure and investment strategies.

Contributing Factors

Several factors have contributed to the rise in power outages:

• Aging Infrastructure: Much of Ireland’s electrical grid is aging, leading to increased susceptibility to faults and failures.
• Severe Weather Events: Storms like Darragh and Éowyn have caused widespread damage to the electrical network, resulting in prolonged outages.
• Increased Demand: The growing reliance on electricity for heating, transportation, and digital services has placed additional strain on the grid.

Calls for Action

The surge in power outages has led to calls for immediate action:

• Investment in Infrastructure: There is a consensus on the need for substantial investment to modernize and reinforce the electrical grid.
• Transparency from ESB Networks: Stakeholders are urging ESB Networks to provide detailed explanations for the outages and to outline their plans for improvements.
• Policy Reforms: Policymakers are being called upon to prioritize energy infrastructure in national development plans.

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