Key part of EirGrid’s cable works completed in Cork

Essential onshore cable ducting works on the Celtic Interconnector project crossing Claycastle Beach in Youghal have been successfully completed.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, has welcomed the news, and said that nearshore works and ducting across the carpark should be completed shortly.

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

The Youghal works, which took place over the weekend, involved ducting pipes being lifted to the trench by five separate cranes, before being lowered into place.

The 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.

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

Michael Mahon, the chief infrastructure officer for the project, said that collaborative efforts of all stakeholders — including local authorities and community representatives — have played a crucial role in reaching this milestone.

“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,” he said.

“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, progress is also being made on other aspects of the energy project.

This includes works at the converter station site at Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill, where cladding and internal fit-outs of buildings are taking place.

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.

Coinciding with works reaching a mid-way point, applications for the second phase of the €2.4m fund are currently being considered — with €841,013 in funding available to eligible communities and voluntary groups.