Why Private Wires Matter
Right now, every kilowatt-hour of electricity in Ireland has to flow through the ESB Networks grid — even between neighbouring buildings. That single restriction blocks rooftop solar sharing, delays new housing, and prevents Ireland from implementing the EU Electricity Directive as intended.
Barry Heneghan TD's Private Members' Bill would remove that block — simply and cleanly, putting the CRU in charge of licensing & safety for ALL cases of electricity sharing off the public grid. It's currently heading for its Second Stage vote in the Dáil, and TDs need to hear from you now.
The Heneghan bill cleanly implements the EU Electricity Directive (EU) 2019/944 which creates a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused electricity market. Article 7 of this Directive mandates member states to authorise "direct lines" or private wires, allowing generators to supply electricity directly to consumers while bypassing the public grid.
The Government Scheme for private wires in contrast is less fully developed, and by outlining 4 limited circumstances where private wires would be allowed appears to fall foul of "Those criteria shall be objective and non-discriminatory" requirement within EU directive 2019/944. This will likely introduce years of further delays.
Three Ways You Can Help
1. Write to your TD
Use one of our ready-to-send sample letters — tailored to solar installers, developers, commercial owners and shopping centres.
Get a Letter2. Find your representative
Search all TDs and Senators by constituency, party or name — then contact them directly.
Find Your TD3. Sign the petition
Add your voice to the growing list of citizens, businesses and industry backing the Heneghan Bill.
Sign PetitionWho Benefits?
Nearly every part of Ireland's economy gains from Private Wires:
Householders
Reduces public grid congestion - very important as electricity market uses a type of dynamic pricing (very expensive periods push up average cost).
Taxpayers
€3 billion a year gain to the Irish economy generates a lot of taxes you don't pay.
All Electricity Users
Offers clear path to get Data Centres off the grid, keeping the FDI and jobs but not the high grid prices.
First Time Buyers
Property Developers can deliver new homes faster where ESB grid connections lag.
Solar Installers
Sell excess rooftop capacity to neighbours — unlocking larger, shared systems.
Commercial Owners
Supply your tenants directly with your own rooftop solar. Supply cheap zero carbon electricity.
See all stakeholder benefits →
The next few weeks matter
The Bill's Second Stage vote is due early autumn. A short, courteous message from a constituent business is the single most impactful thing you can do. (A posted letter is worth 20 emails).
Take action now