Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
256. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to my oral parliamentary question of 16 April 2026 where I did not receive a definitive answer, the completion date for the Celtic Interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34169/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Celtic Interconnector is a major infrastructure initiative that will connect the electricity systems of Ireland and France, developed jointly by Eirgrid and its French equivalent, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE). It will enhance energy diversification, security of supply and market integration between Ireland and continental Europe. EirGrid has responsibility for the delivery of this project in collaboration with RTE.
Construction began in December 2023, with strong progress made on converter stations and cable installations. I am advised that terrestrial works including the completion of the converter station are scheduled for end 2026, while marine cable installation began in 2025 with a second campaign already begun in 2026.
However, the project does face challenges due to complex marine conditions, including difficult seabed terrain and slower-than-expected progress in cable protection works. As a result, the timeline has been revised, with commissioning now expected at the end of 2028.
I am advised that efforts are ongoing to improve the progress rate and that project promoters and contractors are investigating further mitigations to attempt at improving this timeline.
On foot of my request, I understand that EirGrid has been in contact with both Deputy Byrne and Deputy Ardagh providing direct updates. EirGrid are happy to continue updating the Deputies going forward.
EirGrid has certain notification obligations under Regulation (EU) No 1227/2011 on wholesale energy market integrity and transparency. These obligations and procedures are required for the proper functioning of the wholesale energy markets both in Ireland and the EU Internal Energy Market. There are also project related commercial sensitivities associated with timeline changes. These can impact on the timing of progress announcements by EirGrid.
I, and my officials, remain in close contact with Eirgrid on progress.
