Ireland ‘enthusiastic’ about second interconnector with France

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

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, Harris said the €1.6 billion Celtic Interconnector – which will be the first connection from Ireland into the European electricity grid – is due to open in 2028.

He said: “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.

“And this piece of infrastructure – the Celtic Interconnector – is just that.”

Harris, who is due to meet the French finance minister Roland Lescure on Wednesday, added: “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 – that’s a conversation we’ll be enthusiastic to have.”

The Tánaiste’s engagements in Paris also include a bilateral with the secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Mathias Cormann, which he said would be focused on shocks to global economy in recent days.

A spokesman said the meetings are likely to “focus on the fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East” and the implications for the EU.

This includes issues around oil supply which were discussed by the G7 on Monday, the presidency of which is currently held by France.

Harris’s visit also comes ahead of Ireland assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year, for which it anticipates France will be a key partner.

Harris will also be engaging with the tourism sector at a St Patrick’s Day event hosted by Tourism Ireland.