Locations around the Country
Profile- what we do
Employee head count
Minister and Minister of State
Bodies under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
- Head Office: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Cavan Office: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Elm House, Earlsvale Road, Co. Cavan
- Customer Services Manager: Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Geological Survey (GSI): Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4
The Department has responsibilities in the areas of:
Communications
The Communications Development Division promotes the provision, development and flexible regulation of competitive high quality and world class services in the communications, electronic and mobile commerce sectors.
The Business and Technology Division looks at creating and developing policy and legislation particularly in the areas of Internet, Fixed Networks, Convergence, Radio Spectrum, Broadcast Networks, Satellite and Mobile. Develops professional expertise in Business and Technology issues across the entire Communications sector to inform general policy.
The Communications Regulatory Division addresses the development of effective policies for the regulation of the electronic communications sector and management of the radio frequency spectrum. Responsibility for the implementation of policies rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) an independent body under the aegis of the Department. The Postal section develops an effective policy for the Irish postal sector based on open market principles and in conjunction with EU initiatives and also to exercise corporate governance functions in relation to An Post.
Broadcasting Division develops a policy and legislative framework to facilitate the provision of quality broadcasting services in Ireland, and to optimise the opportunities presented by the emerging technologies for the provision of new Irish-based broadcasting services. The Division also seeks to ensure that the approach taken to issues arising from the convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting will optimise the contribution of participants in broadcasting-related activities to the development of the Information Society in Ireland.
Energy
The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Division is responsible for implementing measures to increase the penetration of renewable energy technologies in electricity production in Ireland. It also promotes energy efficiency through the reduction of energy consumption on the basis of technological and economic changes and changes in behaviour.
The Electricity and Gas Regulation Division devise and implement regulatory, safety, markets and security of supply policy relating to electricity and gas sectors. They also plan energy infrastructure enhancements in contexts of security of supply, economic and regional development including the National Spatial Strategy. Finally they exercise corporate governance functions in respect of the Commission for Energy Regulation.
Electricity Corporate Division ensures representation of the State as shareholder in ESB including, in particular, the corporate governance role and the facilitation of the Company's further growth and development in a liberalised electricity market. They also co-ordinate the active co-operation between the administrations North and South of Ireland in the energy sector.
Gas (Corporate) and Oil Supply Division represent the interests of the shareholder (i.e. the Government) in respect of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE). They also develop and implement Ireland's strategic oil supply policy, with particular regard to the areas of contingency planning and Ireland's associated international obligations, in order to ensure an effective system of security of supply at times of physical oil supply disruption.
Energy Planning Division provides a strategic overview for the Department on cross-sectoral energy related issues. The Division acts as a contact point for the energy sector at the interface with Government and represents the Department at appropriate international fora.
Natural Resources
The Petroleum Affairs Division aims to maximise the benefits to the State from exploration for and production of indigenous oil and gas resources and ensure that activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land/sea users.
The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department is charged with applying the Minerals Development Act to minerals exploration and development, encouraging the early identification and responsible development by private investors of the Nation's minerals deposits in accordance with best international practice and enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland for international and national minerals investment by active promotional measures.
The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is responsible for providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose. GSI produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology.
The Inland Fisheries Division is responsible for ensuring the effective conservation, primarily through the Fisheries Boards, of inland fish habitats and stocks, ensuring effective legislative and regulatory framework for inland fisheries and encouraging sustainable development of the commercial and recreational fishing resource.
Employee Head Count
300 people
- Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
- Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Communications
- An Post
- Commission for Communications Regulation
- Digital Hub Development Agency
- Broadcasting
- Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ)
- Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
Energy
- Electricity Supply Board (ESB)
- EirGrid plc
- Bord Gáis Éireann
- Commission for Energy Regulation
- Bord na Móna
- National Oil Reserves Agency
- Sustainable Energy Ireland
Natural Resources
- Central Fisheries Board
- Regional Fisheries Board (7)
- National Salmon Commission
- Foyle Carlingford
- Mining Board