An taoiseach welcomes foreshore licence for 300 million cable

AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny has welcomed the granting of the foreshore licence this evening (July 9) for the 5,400km under-sea fibre-optic cable that will link New York to Ireland, landing at Killala.

The $300 million cable will provide the fastest internet connection available and will connect Ireland and America with extraordinary new capacity.

Stated An Taoiseach: “I spoke with Minister Coffey this evening and I am very happy to report that this important step is now complete. This cable has the potential to transform Mayo by enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure in the area and putting our county at the centre of a global network.

“Ireland will become an essential stepping-stone between North America and Europe. The cable will future-proof Ireland for data content storage facilities, meaning rural areas will be well placed for investment in this type of industry in the coming years. The government's aim of bringing the recovery to every part of Ireland is working.”

Meanwhile, a public information session on the construction of the transatlantic fibre-optic cable will take place on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Killala Community Centre. The company laying the cable at sea will be present to outline what works will be going on when the cable is being laid in mid-August. All are welcome.