Transatlantic fibre optic cable to landfall in mayo
MAYO County Council has welcomed the announcement confirming that the proposed America Europe Connect Fibre Optic cable is to be constructed between Shirley, New York, and Killala, County Mayo, with work commencing immediately.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in whose constituency the cable will make landfall, said: ”This is the first new transatlantic cable from the United States to Europe to be laid in over a decade and the first fibre to ever make direct landfall on the west coast of Ireland. It is a massive vote of confidence in the Irish economy and offers enormous opportunities for the west and for the island as a whole.'
The cathaoirleach of the council, Councillor Damien Ryan, said the investment will significantly increase the attractiveness of Mayo as a place in which to live, work and invest.
Peter Hynes, council chief executive, explained the project is the culmination of four years of intense effort by Mayo County Council, government departments and other agencies. 'It is testament to the priority which the council has accorded to enterprise and investment,' he stated.
Joanne Grehan, head of the council’s enterprise and investment unit, added: 'This new connection puts Mayo in a very strategic position as the landfall location of this global asset. The unit looks forward to working with the State's agencies to capitalise on this opportunity and to drive the areas close to the cable's landfall as a centre for data processing, data storage and related industries.
'Cloud computing and other internet related industries are amongst the fastest growing in the world but require high powered, reliable global connectivity at a point usually close to the source.'
The project will commence construction this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It will significantly increase capacity on the Atlantic and overnight it will treble the direct connectivity between Ireland and the United States.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny also promised the full co-operation of all government and State agencies in ensuring that this key project, which is of national strategic importance, is completed on time and on schedule.
“It is an important step in making Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business,” he added.