Impec-cable timing for EirGrid

The ongoing construction of an underwater cable linking the electricity grids of Ireland and France has marked one year of progress.

The Celtic Interconnector project is being developed by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d'Électricité.

The one-year milestone was reached just two years since the engineering, procurement, and construction contracts were signed in Paris.

Celebrating the milestone, EirGrid teams and project partners welcomed the Ambassador of France in Ireland, H.E. Céline Place, to the converter station site in Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill.

In the year to date, significant progress has been made on the project. EirGrid confirmed that substantial portions of underground cable are now in place, with the next stage of the cabling process, joining cables, already under way. In the marine, preparatory works in Irish waters have been successfully completed.

At the converter station site in Cork, ground works have been completed enabling the steel works assembly to commence construction of the building itself.

Michael Mahon, chief infrastructure officer, EirGrid said: “This milestone is a testament to the collaboration of all involved and is only made possible by the dedication of our workforce, contractors and subcontractors and the communities of east Cork who continue to facilitate these works. Their support and cooperation have been invaluable, and we will continue to engage with them as we progress toward completing this vital infrastructure.”

He added: “As we continue into the next phases of construction, our team remains committed to safe and efficient delivery of this strategic project and look forward to achieving new milestones together in 2025.”

Against the backdrop of construction milestones throughout the year, communities in East Cork have also been participating, with local community projects and initiatives moving forward with the support of the Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund.

Benefit sharing from the €2.4 million fund began earlier this year, with Phase 1 funding of €838,987 being awarded to successful applicants in the early part of 2024.