Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
179. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for a timeline on the delivery of the Celtic Interconnector; if he will set out the delivery timeline; when construction work originally began on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the 'technical issues' in relation to the delivery of the Celtic Interconnector that the Taoiseach was referring to in the Dáil Éireann on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 during Taoiseach's questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35962/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
The 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 such as complex marine conditions, including weather delays, 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. It is my understanding that the technical issues referred to by the Taoiseach on 28 April relate to these emergent challenges.
Eirgrid are happy to provide detail more directly to Deputies at any time upon request and in this regard can be contacted at oireachtas@eirgrid.com. Eirgrid also issue a quarterly newsletter on progress and these can be found on their website, www.eirgrid.ie/celticinterconnector#newsletters.
I, and my officials, remain in close contact with Eirgrid on progress.
