Could New EU Rules Cause Even More Delays In Building Homes In Ireland?

Now, another possible problem is emerging from Brussels.

Ireland is already struggling with a serious housing shortage. Thousands of people are waiting for homes, while builders face rising costs, planning delays and difficulties getting electricity and water connections.
ESB Networks, the company responsible for connecting homes and businesses to Ireland’s electricity network, has warned that proposed new European Union rules could make these delays even worse.

So, what is happening?
The European Commission has proposed a new law called the Industrial Accelerator Act, which includes what are known as “Made in Europe” rules.
The idea is to encourage European countries to buy more products made in Europe, protect European industries and create jobs. On the surface, that sounds like a sensible idea. However, there could be unintended consequences for Ireland.
ESB Networks needs transformers, cables and other electrical equipment to connect new housing developments to the electricity grid. Some of this equipment is already difficult to obtain, with long waiting times for essential supplies.
ESB Networks is concerned that if the proposed EU rules restrict where it can buy equipment, delays could become even longer.

And who would suffer most?
Ordinary people waiting for homes. Imagine a housing development where the houses are built, the roads are finished and everything is ready for families to move in.
But nobody can move in because the electricity connections are not completed. This is already a problem in parts of Ireland, and the last thing we need is another rule that could make matters worse.

There is an important point to remember. These EU rules have not yet been finally agreed. Discussions are continuing, and it is still unclear exactly how they would apply to ESB Networks.
That means Ireland has an opportunity to raise its concerns and seek changes before the legislation becomes law.
Nobody is suggesting that supporting European businesses is a bad thing. But surely there must be a balance between protecting European industry and allowing essential services to get the equipment they need.

Ireland needs more homes, not more obstacles.
Our Government should be making it very clear in Brussels that any new rules must not make it harder, slower or more expensive to connect new homes to electricity. We already have enough problems delivering housing without creating additional ones.
The priority must be practical solutions that help get homes built, connected and occupied. Supporting European industry is important. But putting roofs over people’s heads is important too. And we should not have to choose between the two.

What do you think? Should Ireland seek an exemption from these proposed EU rules if they risk delaying new housing developments?