The business law firm polled more than 150 energy professionals at its Annual Energy Conference in Cork. Almost one quarter (23 per cent) said energy sustainability should be the State’s priority, while 17 per cent selected reducing energy costs for consumers and business.

Eoin Cassidy, energy & infrastructure sector lead partner, Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “Energy security has moved firmly up the agenda across the sector. Ireland needs to meet growing electricity demand while still supporting our energy transition. Clients on major energy and infrastructure projects are focused on one thing: delivery. Capital is available and there’s strong appetite to invest; the challenge is building the infrastructure fast enough to support it.”

Grid capacity is biggest barrier to delivery

Almost two thirds of respondents (62 per cent) identified grid capacity and demand as the single biggest barrier to turning Ireland’s energy ambition into delivery.

Planning delays and challenges were cited by 37 per cent, while just 1per cent identified capital availability and deployment.

Deirdre Nagle, partner and head of planning and environment, Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “Grid capacity is the immediate concern, but more than one in three still point to planning. It’s clear that both need to move faster. Certainty on planning decisions and timelines will decide whether planned investment translates into infrastructure on the ground.”

The conference heard that work is underway to accelerate major infrastructure projects, including changes to project sequencing and earlier procurement by EirGrid.

Data centre investment expected to increase

The survey also examined the impact of Ireland’s new connection policy for large energy users, including data centres.

The new framework gives data centres a route to grid connection, subject to requirements on generation and available capacity.

Half of respondents (50 per cent) believe the changes will increase future data centre investment in Ireland. One quarter expect investment to fall, while the same number (25 per cent) believe there will be no real impact.

Keith Newman, energy partner, Mason Hayes & Curran, said: “Half of respondents expect the new framework to increase investment. That’s a positive signal after a period when new data centre connections had largely stalled. The real test is how quickly projects can move through the connection process. Grid access and clear timelines will determine where that investment lands,”

Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, delivered the event’s keynote address on geopolitical pressures, data centre growth and the economic importance of secure energy supply.

Senior representatives from EirGrid, Gas Networks Ireland, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Port of Cork Company also addressed the conference, along with speakers from BnM and Statkraft.