ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 5 Editorial electric.ie Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd., Bluebell House Business Centre, Bluebell Avenue, Dublin 12 Tel: (087) 6698028 Info@electric.ie Reg. Dublin: 512293 Colin Sherlock General Manager Layout/Design colin.sherlock@electric.ie DISCLAIMER Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd. accept no responsiblity for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this publication. Electric.ie is published by Electric Bureau Ireland Ltd. The magazine is circulated throughout Ireland and is available on wholesale trade counters and from representatives of electrical distributors who are members of EMDA The editor welcomes: contributions of technical papers, information on new products, details of installation projects and all editorial input of interest to our readers. Printed by W&G Baird Friday 17th, November 2023 Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin As we welcome 2026, we extend our very best wishes to all our readers, advertisers and supporters for a happy and successful New Year. The year ahead already shows every sign of continuing the positive trajectory experienced throughout 2025, with the electrical and engineering sectors maintaining strong momentum. Confidence and investment remain central to an industry that continues to adapt and grow in an increasingly dynamic energy landscape. Once again, this issue captures the glamour of the sector’s social calendar. Our photo coverage from the IEBA Charity Ball, held last November in the InterContinental Hotel, reflects an industry that works hard and celebrates well. This year’s winter ball transported guests to Monte Carlo, complete with a casino experience that brought a touch of continental style to Dublin, all in support of a very worthy cause. Looking ahead, the events diary for 2026 is already filling rapidly. The SOLAR and HEAT Renewables Show returns on February 12th and is set to be bigger than ever, with more than 50 global exhibitors showcasing the latest in sustainable energy solutions. Later in the spring, the AECI Trade Show on May 27th will once again provide a vital platform for suppliers and contractors to engage with the newest electrical technologies and innovations shaping the market. We’re also delighted to confirm that one of the industry’s most popular fundraising events, the Dash of the Derg, will return on November 20th, 2026. It’s an event that perfectly reflects the strong sense of community that exists within the electrical sector. On the policy front, there have been significant developments that will have long-term implications for the industry. The Irish Government’s approval of the drafting of the Private Wires Bill marks an important step towards enabling private investment in electricity infrastructure. This move is expected to support the continued expansion of renewable generation and energy storage, opening new opportunities across design, installation and maintenance. This issue also brings encouraging news from within the contracting community. The Designer Group has opened a new €10 million facility in Meath, creating up to 75 jobs, a strong vote of confidence in the sector’s future. We have a full report on this development, alongside news from other electrical contractors around the country. Ledburn Cables marks the retirement of Dave Blagburn, whose career has spanned more than four decades. His contribution to the industry is widely respected, and we wish him every happiness in retirement. As ever, product innovation remains a cornerstone of the magazine. In this issue, we highlight a range of new solutions coming to market, including the new Elucian range of Irish consumer units and protection devices at Click Litehouse (see page ?), and Schneider Electric’s new PowerPact 4 ComPacT NSXm Powerboard, a compact, wallmounted solution engineered for demanding industrial and commercial environments (see page ?). With strong policy signals, major investments, a busy events calendar, 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for the electrical industry. We look forward to bringing you the stories that matter over the months ahead. Welcome to 2026
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