Labour TD for Meath East, Dominic Hannigan has welcomed the €600 million East-West Interconnector as a significant day for trade relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

He said: "I believe the launch of this interconnector is important in developing and furthering trade relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The launch of this interconnector will allow Ireland to enhance and maintain its energy security and will facilitate increased competition in the energy market. It will also allow us to export any excess energy Ireland has produced which will be a net economic benefit to the state.

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"This interconnector could also assist in putting downward pressure on the cost of electricity, something which should be welcomed by consumers. The East-West interconnector will also encourage the growth, development and future export of renewable energy sources in Ireland and in particular, wind energy.

"This commissioning of the interconnector presents many opportunities as well as being good for the energy market."

(CD)