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In the event of industrial action at ESB, supplies to electricity customers may be affected.

EirGrid, the independent operator of the national grid, will seek to minimise disruption through its management of the power system.

EirGrid will, in performing its role, work closely with parties in the electricity industry, including ESB Networks. EirGrid and ESB Networks have detailed operational and communications plans in place to deal with a variety of scenarios with a view to minimising disruptions and mitigating the impact of any disruption.

Every effort will be made to keep as many customers supplied as possible, particularly vital services and infrastructure.

In respect of this morning’s announcement by the ESB Group of Unions, EirGrid and ESB Networks will now put into effect plans which are aimed at carefully managing the power system to mitigate the impact of supply disruption.

ESB Networks will publish details of arrangements in advance of any event.

In the event of industrial action, EirGrid will regularly provide outlook information on the situation on a national basis and ESB Networks will provided local information on arrangements.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is taking the lead in terms of arranging for Government Departments and Agencies to be appropriately briefed by EirGrid, ESB Networks and the Commission for Energy Regulation on the likely impacts of power disruption. This facilitates each Department and Agency in identifying the impact on their areas of responsibility and responding as appropriate to manage their own particular situations through appropriate contingency plans.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The operational and communication plans of EirGrid and ESB are continually amended to ensure they are up to date and robust. In addition, plans are tested regularly to ensure they are fit for purpose and to ensure that personnel are appropriately trained.