Approval granted for Ireland-Wales interconnector

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans by EirGrid to build an electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales.

The proposed link would enable the two-way transmission of power between the two countries from 2012.

Permission has been granted for the location and construction of a converter station in Woodland, Co Meath, and the installation of underground cables to the coast at Rush in Co Dublin.

Around 100 people will be employed during the construction phase, which is due to get underway next year.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has welcomed today's decision to approve the project.