Final phase of Ireland-UK interconnector project to begin

A purpose built cable-laying vessel - the largest of its kind in the world - will arrive in Dublin today to complete the final phase of EirGrid's energy link between Ireland and Britain.

The AMC Connector will start laying the 100 kilometre marine route off the north Dublin coast.

The €600mproject has a capacity to transfer 500 MW of electricity , or enough to power 300,000 homes.

EirGrid Project Director John Fitzgerald said the interconnector is scheduled to be operational by the autumn.

"This phase of the project will take about three weeks," he said.

"Then another ship will come along and do the installation under the sea, and that will take about two months.

"The whole project including converter stations will be complete for September, for live operation.

"That will help allow imports and exports of energy, and facilitate renewables greatly."