Construction of Wales-Ireland electricity cable expected in 2009

Construction of a 250km electricity cable linking Wales and Ireland could begin as early as next year if approval is granted.

Independent electricity transmission system operator EirGrid want to lay high voltage electricity cables under the Irish Sea from Prestatyn to the north of Dublin.

The cables’ 500 megawatts of electricity will be capable of powering about 300,000 homes.

If planning permission is granted, construction work is expected to begin in 2009 and the project should be operational by 2012, reported the BBC.

Onshore, the cables will go underground to a planned converter station in Deeside, where the electricity will be converted to UK standards.

The cables will follow the route of the A548.