Ireland’s dependence on Britain for digital and electricity connectivity poses “significant operational and security risks”, a European Commission expert group has warned. The Expert Group on Secure and Resilient Submarine Cable Infrastructures said this dependence reduces Ireland’s ability to withstanding breaches be they deliberate or accidental. At present, there are 14 operational cables landing in Ireland that collectively form the backbone of its external communications infrastructure." “This is considered a cable project of European interest priority area because Ireland’s current connectivity situation creates a critical single-point dependency that poses significant operational and security risks,” the report said. “The cable security toolbox outlined in the report addresses several strategic and technical preventive measures for private industry, member states, the commission, and others to advance,” it said.

Source: Irish Examiner February 23, 2026 19:30 UTC