EirGrid has submitted a planning application for the Celtic Interconnector Project.

The project will improve the security of Ireland's electricity supply by providing the only direct energy connection to an EU member state and will also make the Irish grid ready to carry 70% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The project details submitted were announced a number of months ago following a multi-year process of technical assessments and engagement with the local community. The application includes a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement, as well as other plans and particulars.

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The interconnector will make landfall at Claycastle Beach near Youghal in East Cork. From there an underground cable will run inland on the national road and continue on local roads to the east and north of Midleton to a converter station. This will be built at Ballyadam, on part of an IDA owned site, to the east of Carrigtwohill.

The final connection will be by underground cable from Ballyadam to a substation on the national grid at Knockraha.

EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: "The submission of this planning application for the Celtic Interconnector is a critical milestone. The delivery of this project will bring a number of benefits, including increasing Ireland’s security of electricity supply by providing a direct connection to another EU country. It will also strengthen the Irish electricity grid and help us to deliver a cleaner energy future by reaching the target of at least 70% of Ireland's electricity from renewable sources by 2030."