The Government of Ireland has approved the Celtic Interconnector project that will allow the exchange of electricity between France and Ireland. The approved planning application includes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and Natura Impact Statement.

The application, covering the landfall in Youghal, cable route, converter station and network connection, and associated technologies were assessed by local authorities. The Foreshore Licence has been submitted for the offshore elements of the project in Ireland, while a marine license is also required from the UK Marine Management Organisation for the implementation of the project.

The Celtic Interconnector project involves the installation of a submarine High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electricity cable and a direct telecommunications fiber optic link between Ireland and France. The HVDC transmission line will facilitate 700 MW of electricity transfer between both countries.