Celtic Interconnector reaches major milestone with onshore cable works complete

EirGrid has reached a major milestone on the Celtic Interconnector, with the completion of onshore cable installation in Ireland and the successful testing of the onshore cable connections.

The latest achievements mark a significant step forward in connecting Ireland’s electricity grid to France, via a 500km subsea cable.

When delivered, the project will allow the exchange of 700MW of electricity, equal to powering 450,000 homes. 

Onshore works at Claycastle Beach in east Cork have now been completed, with the final onshore cable installed from the landfall point, ready for the subsea cable from France to come ashore and connect into the underground cable on land.

Specialist construction methods enabled the cable to be installed beneath Ballyvergan Marsh while protecting its sensitive environment, demonstrating EirGrid’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure responsibly.

In parallel, comprehensive testing of the onshore cables have been successfully completed, with 44km of high voltage current (HVAC) and high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable installed and operationally ready.

Offshore works are steadily continuing, with cable protection and burial works taking place in Irish waters following the installation of 84km of cable last year and 97km of cable laid in French waters this year. 

Speaking about the latest milestones, EirGrid Chief Financial Officer, Michael Behan said:

“Reaching these milestones shows the significant commitment and collaboration by project teams, and our contract partners.

Since breaking ground just over two and a half years ago, 44km of onshore cable has been installed, jointed and tested. These onshore operations included horizontal directional drilling, live rail crossings and a number of river crossings, overcoming engineering challenges to ensure successful installation.”

Through careful planning, and ongoing engagement with communities and stakeholders we are progressing this key energy project which will strengthen Ireland’s electricity grid, connect us directly to Europe, and help support the energy transition,” Behan added.

The Celtic Interconnector is being delivered in partnership with Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), France’s electricity transmission system operator and received funding from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).