Repair works to the East-West Interconnector (EWIC) are ahead of schedule, according to Eirgrid.

The EWIC is a high-voltage direct current submarine and subsoil power cable which connects the British and Irish electricity markets.

The EWIC was unable to return to service following the annual maintenance shutdown due to a fault in the converter station in County Meath.

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It was anticipated in September that the expected return to service date would be by the end of February 2017. However, the works to repair the damage caused by the fault are currently running ahead of schedule.

Testing of the interconnector will be carried out when the repair works are complete to confirm that the interconnector can be switched back into service. The testing is scheduled to start on the Saturday, 17 December.

If the testing is successful the EWIC will return to commercial operation on Friday, 23 December.

(CD/MH)