Darragh O'Brien TD

Exciting news! The Solar for Schools Programme is now open for grant applications again!

Over 3,000 schools nationwide have already benefited from this opportunity! I encourage all schools to apply for these grants to lower their energy costs and join the green transition.

The Solar for Schools Programme is a significant step to a more sustainable and energy efficient future, funded through the Climate Action Fund.

It is a big saving for schools of roughly €1,200-1,600 per year.

All remaining schools have until March 7th to apply.

This week I announced €6 million of Community Supports Funding for projects in the Midlands, as part of our journey to a lower carbon future and investing in the communities that are impacted the most.

Pobal now provide a number of supports to reduce the administrative burden.

This week I’m very pleased to announce a significant a very significant boost for Ireland’s transition to electric vehicles.

These measures are key steps in our commitment to a cleaner, greener transport system for Ireland.

🚨 Support for Horticulture Businesses Affected by Storm Éowyn 🚨

I welcome the reopening of the 2025 Investment Aid Scheme to help growers rebuild, boost sustainability, and strengthen the sector in response to this unprecedented storm.

More info: 🔗 gov.ie

I’m delighted to announce a massive €713 million investment to protect, renew, and enhance regional and local roads across the country.

This was a core commitment from Fianna Fáil in the general election, and I’m proud to be delivering on it already.

I want to keep you up to date with the situation regarding ghost buses.
 
I met with the NTA today. They are taking this very seriously and a detailed review is underway.
 
They have assured me that additional resources are in place or are shortly going to be in place.

Investing in energy efficiency will make your home warmer, healthier and cheaper to run and we want to supportpeople to make that change.

From today Avant Money, in partnership with An Post Money, will start offering loans under the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme.

A lot of people have been in contact with me about ghost buses and it’s a real frustration and annoyance for commuters.

Next week I’m meeting the NTA and the operators about this issue so that in the areas where these buses aren’t turning up, we’re going to see improvements.

Many happy returns!🎉

Today marks the first birthday of the Deposit Return Scheme, one of the most positive and transformative initiatives.

980 million containers returned and almost 50% reduction in bottles/cans being littered.

Thanks to everyone who supported the scheme.

@deptecc.bsky.social

Significant progress continues in restoring power after the unprecedented impact of #StormÉowyn

Thanks to ESB teams customer outages have dropped from a peak of 768,000 to approx 74,000.

Over 4,000 crew and support staff are working to reconnect everyone as quickly as possible.

ESB Networks has now restored supply to 660,000 homes, farms and businesses.

Approximately 108,000 customers remain without supply, which is down from a peak of 768,000. Everyone is working to reduce this number as quickly as possible.

An unprecedented storm has had unprecedented impacts but we are doing everything we can to resolve the issues caused.

Thank you to the 2,823 crew are on the ground and 1,300 support staff dedicated to reconnecting electricity, water and communications.

@deptecc.bsky.social #StormÉowyn

We now have 2,653 crew members on the ground and international teams from 🇬🇧🇦🇹🇫🇮🇫🇷🇳🇱🇧🇪 in place restoring essential services.

The peak outage affected 768,000 people, with 600,000 already reconnected. The focus remains on restoring electricity, water, and communications. @deptecc.bsky.social

I want to update you on our progress reconnecting people after this unprecedented storm, leaving nearly 770,000 households, businesses and farms without power.

Significant progress has been made but thousands of households remain to be reconnected. We’re working hard to do that.

⚡Power outages continue to be reported across Dublin Fingal East.

Please stay safe and take extra care until the storm passes. If fallen trees or damaged electrical lines are spotted, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For the latest updates on outages check: powercheck.esbnetworks.ie

#StormÉowyn