East-west energy project on hold

The commercial operation of one of the biggest energy projects in the historyof the state has been deferred after testing revealed it was affecting phonelines.

Households in north Co Dublin reported buzzing, noise and interference onlandlines after the official opening of the east-west interconnector.

The 500MW cable runs beneath the Irish Sea from Wales and then underground from Rush, Co Dublin, to Meath.

Eircom said investigations identified the faults may have been related to the infrastructure. “Both parties are aware and are working together to identify what exactly is the scale and scope of it,” said a spokesman.

The commercial operation of the interconnector was due to start on Oct 1, after it was built ahead of schedule for €570m.

Officially opened a month ago, it was the single biggest energy infrastructural investment since the commissioning of the hydroelectric Ardnacrusha powerstation in Co Clare in 1929. The connection can be used to export excess energy generated here to markets in Britain, or to import it into the state. But an Eirgrid spokesman confirmed its operation was delayed when testing started.

Complaints were made from Ballyboughal, Oldtown, and Rush, where residents had campaigned for years against the cable running through the town.