An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-19
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Mark Duffy (FG), Labour Panel

I would like to raise the opportunity that we have to realise the oversupply of wind energy across Ireland. As we know, at certain times, especially at night-time, there is an oversupply. Some €500 million worth of wind energy is wasted every year, which means a huge amount is left uncaptured. I am calling for consideration of grant supports for battery storage for residential units at night-time rates, perhaps at the EV rate. Where there is an oversupply of electricity, it provides a great opportunity for households to capture that oversupply so it is not wasted. That can reduce people's electricity bills.
It is a very simple concept. It has already been used in a smaller way by EnergyCloud, which is topping up people’s hot water tanks with a free fill because of oversupply. I do not see why the same could not be done on a greater scale through battery storage, which could lift the burden off people who are feeling under pressure. It is a practical proposal. I would welcome consideration of it by the Minister and the Government generally. It would be a very good concept to help ease the burden for people who are under pressure financially and would move away from the ongoing knee-jerk reaction to the cost-of-living measures to a longer form approach.
In my remaining time, I would like to acknowledge Pádraig O’Hora, who is just off the summit of Mount Everest at the moment, along with Éanna McGowan and Adam Sweeney. Pádraig is a Mayo man, a Ballina man, who is raising much-needed funds for Mayo Mental Health Association. They made their first attempt at the summit last night and are due to have another go this evening.
I am hosting guests from Network Ireland Mayo, including the president, Orla Bakeberg. I welcome them to Leinster House. It is great that they have come in just as I am concluding my contribution.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:57+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-19