Submarine cable project progresses

The planned submarine electricity cable from East Cork to Brittany in France has taken another step forward.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien granted the licence for a foreshore licence for the Celtic Interconnector project. This will enable the installation and operation of the cable.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, welcomed the granting of the licence yesterday, Wednesday.

The project will enable the exchange of electricity between the 2 countries and will be the first direct energy link to mainland Europe. EirGrid has been working with its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), on the 575km long interconnector.

Speaking about the latest consenting decision, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said: “This latest approval, on what is a critical project for Ireland, is most welcome by those involved in its development. We will continue to focus on the delivery of the Celtic Interconnector and look forward to the benefits it will bring, including allowing the movement of 700 megawatts of electricity between Ireland and France.”

In May, An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission for the Irish on-shore element of the project.

Subject to securing a marine licence consent from the UK Marine Management Organisation, it is expected the project will begin construction later this year and be energised in 2026.