Building a Storm-Ready Ireland

In the wake of ESB Networks’ Review of Storm Éowyn and the latest update to its Winter Resilience Plan, this episode takes a clear-eyed look at how Ireland is strengthening its electricity network against increasingly severe weather. Fianna Fáil Cavan–Monaghan TD Brendan Smith hosts this discussion with Brian Brady, ESB’s Head of Network Resilience and Climate Adaptation, and Karen McGeough, Senior Manager for Storm Resilience and Readiness. Together, they unpack the major learnings from Storm Éowyn, a storm that delivered record-breaking winds, and explore the extensive 23,000 km network inspection, ESB Networks’ approach to rapid storm restoration, and the critical role of forestry and vegetation management. They also delve into international best practice and outline how Ireland is gearing up for the next generation of storms. A timely, informative conversation on what it takes to keep communities connected when it matters most.