Major milestone reached on Celtic Interconnector project

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, has welcomed the news that essential onshore cable ducting works crossing the beach have been successfully completed on the Celtic Interconnector project at Claycastle Beach, Youghal. 

Nearshore works and ducting across the car park should be completed shortly.

The subsea link, connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France is progressing apace, with these latest works a key step in preparation for cable installation commencement later this year. 

The works, which took place over the weekend, involved ducting pipes being lifted synchronously to the cofferdam (trench) by five separate cranes, before being lowered into place in the trench. These precision works were carried out between tidal windows at the beach. 

This ducting will now be buried using material previously excavated from the beach, ensuring they are ready to receive the marine cable which is to be laid from France and into Irish waters in the next stage of this ambitious project. 

The beach will be fully reinstated following completion of the installation works. 

Speaking following the successful works, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said: “The success of this phase of works is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the entire project team, including engineers, contractors and project partners from both countries. 

"The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including local authorities and community representatives have played a crucial role in reaching this milestone."

Mahon added: “The patience and support of the local community of Youghal has also been invaluable, ensuring that the work could be completed efficiently and safely.” 

Meanwhile, works on other aspects of this key energy project move forward, including works at the converter station site at Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill. Cladding and internal fit outs of buildings mean works are on schedule.  

The converter station is where high voltage direct current (HVDC) is converted to high voltage alternating current (HVAC) for use on the Irish grid.  

On the HVAC cable route between Carrigtwohill and Knockraha, jointing, backfilling and road reinstatement continues, with passing bay removal nearing completion. 

On the HVDC route, trenching and ducting works are continuing on the N25 between Killeagh and Youghal, followed by cable installation works. 

Coinciding with works reaching a mid-way point, applications for the second phase of the €2.4 million fund were welcomed earlier this year, with €841,013 in funding available to eligible communities and voluntary groups. The deadline has now closed, with applications being considered.