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Biodiversity Strategy

ESB Network's first Biodiversity Strategy 'Networks for Nature', available here.

The importance of biodiversity in the Irish landscape

ESB Networks is cognisant of the importance of biodiversity in the Irish landscape, and to ensure its activities are managed in a sustainable manner in relation to biodiversity. It is also aware of the requirements to identify potential impacts on biodiversity with the aim of avoiding or mitigating these impacts, and where feasible, work to enhance biodiversity.

The Networks for Net Zero strategy includes specific objectives with regards to nature - We will ensure that we have a net biodiversity gain from our operations by 2025. We will produce a comprehensive biodiversity plan for our operations to support this by end of 2023. We will also plan to have a 10% biodiversity gain for individual major projects on our work programme.

Technician smiling, with his hands on his truck

Working with biodiversity in mind

We build, manage and run many projects within protected nature areas. These areas are protected by the EU and Irish laws, like Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), and Natural Heritage Areas (NHA). When we work near these areas, we make sure to consider how it might affect nature. We follow specific instructions to protect biodiversity during and after working there.

Close up of a butterfly on a flower in a field of flowers

Ensuring the protection of biodiversity

Our team often works on biodiversity issues, like checking the impact of our work, keeping harmful species out, and taking the correct steps to protect nature with the help of ESB Networks' ecology experts.

Close up of a bee on a flower

Reviewing biodiversity

ESB Networks is also reviewing the biodiversity at some of our sites. This review will allow us to identify and count the wildlife there, and find ways to protect them. We're also supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to help bees and other pollinators, where it fits with the safety and running of our business.

Close up on the face of technicians

Promoting biodiversity awareness

We want to make sure our staff and everyone who works for ESB Networks understands biodiversity. That's why we give our teams the training and support they need to learn about these issues and encourage them to think of solutions to make things better.

Irish landscape showing a mountain, trees and a river

Supporting biodiversity across the island

ESB Networks will work closely with other companies and groups to find ways to help nature across Ireland. We also want to help local communities to team up with us, share ideas about nature, and take action when we can.

House on a field

Improving wildlife at the old Stradbally Road substation

ESB Networks started a project at the old Stradbally Road substation to help biodiversity at the site.

The area used to be covered with stone, concrete, had towers and a control room building.

Stradbally site enhancement from January to May, June and September 2023.

What we did:

  • The image shows retired Stradbally site enhancement from January to May, June and September 2023.
  • We worked with builders to plant native flowers and trees at the site.
  • The old control room was closed and turned into a home for wildlife, with spots for birds to nest and bats to roost.
  • We put up special birdhouses on the old towers for kestrels and barn owls to use for breeding.
  • We removed non-native plants and used old wood to create homes for insects.
  • What we learned from this project will help us plan for similar biodiversity improvements at other ESB Networks locations across the country.