BACKGROUND
On 15 July 2025, the Irish government published its
Private Wires Policy Statement (the "Policy
Statement"), marking a significant step in reforming
the Irish electricity sector.
The Policy Statement supports the development of a framework for
private companies to build, operate and own electricity lines (ie,
"private wires").
It is worth noting, at the outset, that the Policy Statement is
just that. The measures that will actually give effect to this
policy (eg, legislative amendments) have not yet been developed and
it is only when they are available that the policy can be assessed
in meaningful detail.
In the meantime, this update:
- summarises the Policy Statement (including the key regulatory
conditions associated with constructing / owning a private
wire);
