Ireland ‘enthusiastic’ about second interconnector with France

'I’d like to have a discussion with the French government about us being even more ambitious, seeing if we could develop a second interconnector as well between Ireland and France,' says Simon Harris

Simon Harris: 'If the last number of days has shown the world, it’s so important that Europe becomes energy independent, that we build up our energy resilience.' Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Ireland is “enthusiastic” about a second interconnector with France, as Tánaiste Simon Harris said Europe needs to become more energy independent.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Mr Harris said the €1.6bn Celtic Interconnector — which will be the first connection from Ireland into the European electricity grid — is due to open in 2028.