Local TD and Minister Thomas Byrne has sought firm assurances from ESB Networks that improvement works serving Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington will be completed by the end of September following a series of power outages this year.
According to information provided by ESB Networks to Minister Byrne, the three East Meath communities have experienced six significant unplanned outages during 2026, affecting either all or a substantial proportion of the area.
ESB Networks has attributed the outages to a number of separate faults across the local electricity network.
Major works aimed at improving capacity and continuity of supply are currently under way, including projects at Julianstown, and Byrne says ESB Networks has indicated they are expected to be completed by the end of September.
‘The level of disruption has been unacceptable’
Byrne said households and businesses now need certainty that the work will be delivered within that timeframe.
“The level of disruption experienced by households and businesses in Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington this year has been unacceptable,” he said.
“Six significant unplanned outages in such a short period have caused considerable inconvenience, concern and, in some cases, financial loss.”
He said he welcomed the investment being made in strengthening the local electricity network but wanted a clear commitment that the remaining work would be completed on schedule.
“While I welcome ESB Networks’ acknowledgement of the problem and its investment in strengthening the local network, customers now need certainty,” he said.
“I am seeking a clear assurance that these essential works will be completed by the end of September, as indicated, and that every possible step will be taken to minimise further disruption while they are under way.”
Calls for clearer communication
Byrne also called for residents and businesses to receive clear information about planned interruptions, ongoing works and expected restoration times when faults occur.
“Particular consideration must be given to older people, medically vulnerable customers and businesses that depend on a reliable electricity supply,” he said.
ESB Networks states that customers affected by a planned interruption should receive notification at least two working days beforehand, including approximate start and finish times.
Planned interruptions involving more than 10 customers are also provided with real-time updates through the company’s PowerCheck service.
Questions over risk of further outages
Byrne said ESB Networks had explained to him that the local network is currently operating in what he described as a “transitional configuration” while improvement works are completed.
He said residents need more information about what is being done to reduce the risk of further widespread outages during that period.
“The explanation that the network is operating in a transitional configuration may help to account for the scale of recent outages, but it does not lessen their impact on customers,” he said.
“People are entitled to know what measures are being taken to reduce the risk of further widespread interruptions during this period.”
Byrne said he intends to continue raising the issue with ESB Networks and will seek further information about the timetable for the remaining works and what improvements customers can expect once they are completed.
“The people of Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington have already shown considerable patience,” he said.
“They now deserve a reliable, resilient electricity network and confidence that the commitments made to them will be delivered.”
