![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/2.43144676.jpg\")
Ireland and France have made a joint pitch for EU funding for a \u20ac1bn electricity link between the countries as part of post-Brexit energy planning.<\/p>\nIreland and France have made a joint pitch for EU funding for a \u20ac1bn electricity link between the countries as part of post-Brexit energy planning.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and French President Emmanuel Macron have submitted a joint request to the European Commission seeking financial support for the Celtic Interconnector.<\/p>\n
The proposed connector between the south coast of Ireland and north-west coast of France would stretch for 500 kilometers under the sea.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar and Mr Macron co-signed a letter on the issue during a bilateral meeting before a gathering of the European Council in Brussels on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
They have written to commission president Jean-Claude Juncker requesting support for a grant application that would see the EU foot 60% of the bill.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said the first direct link between Ireland\u2019s electricity network and mainland Europe would be vital in the post-Brexit landscape.<\/p>\n
This demonstrates the ever-closer relationship between Ireland and France, which will be Ireland\u2019s closest EU neighbor when the UK leaves<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach and Mr Macron had already pledged to pursue the project at a recent meeting in Paris.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Celtic Interconnector will help to reduce electricity prices, support climate action, and provide greater energy security for Ireland,\u201d said Mr Varadkar.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur two countries are working together to seek EU funding for 60% of the overall \u20ac1bn cost of the project, with the balance coming from commercial revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m delighted that France has agreed to join Ireland in making this grant application, and I particularly want to thank President Macron for his personal support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis demonstrates the ever-closer relationship between Ireland and France, which will be Ireland\u2019s closest EU neighbor when the UK leaves.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also welcome the excellent co-operation between the Irish and French national regulatory authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n