Work begins this morning 27/10/2011 on the laying of underwater cables to link the electricity power grids of Ireland and Britain.
 

It has been described as the biggest energy infrastructure project in Ireland since the construction of Ardnacrusha power station in the late 1920s.
 

The east-west interconnector involves the laying of 180km of undersea cables to enable the flow of electricity in both directions between Ireland and Britain.
 

When the €600m project is completed next year, the Irish electricity grid will be able to call on power from Britain when needed.
 

As well as enhancing security of supply, the interconnector will allow for the export of wind energy generated in Ireland.
 

It should also lead to greater competition, as it will give British and European providers the option to enter the Irish electricity market.
 

Cable will be laid from both sides and will meet in the middle of the Irish Sea.
 

The interconnector is scheduled to be operational in late 2012 and will be capable of carrying power to supply the equivalent of 300,000 homes.
 

Sinbad Marine Services "SMS Ocean Cat" will act as the main support vessel for the project, transferring crew and cargo to the cable lay barge Nostag 10.