Transatlantic cable could ‘transform north Mayo’

Transatlantic cable could ‘transform north Mayo’


Killala beach proposed for landing spot

Anton McNulty

AN application for a foreshore licence for a sub-sea fibre optic cable for Killala has been welcomed by a local councillor, who said it will put Mayo ‘at the centre of a global network’.
America Europe Connect Ltd has lodged a foreshore licence application with the Department of Environment. The company is seeking a licence to construct a sub-sea optical fibre network between North America and Europe, with the proposed landing at Ross Beach, Killala.
The company has also lodged an application for the construction of a cable landing station at the Killala Business Park.
The news has been welcomed by Killala-based councillor Jarlath Munnelly, who said the application submitted showed that the company is at an important stage in the project.
“For the offshore section of this project, the foreshore-licence application is the last hurdle to be crossed before anything can be built at sea. It’s encouraging to see this application, and the application for the station progressing,” he said.
Cllr Munnelly said the project will continue to have his full support, adding that it could have  a huge impact on Killala and the north Mayo region. “This is an exciting project, which  has the potential to transform north Mayo, not just Killala, by enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure in the area, and putting Ireland and Mayo into the centre of a global network.”