A feasibility study into a possible electricity interconnector that would link Ireland and France has been awarded almost €4 million in funding by the European Commission.

The study intends to consider the viability of linking the two previously unconnected markets through a long-distance subsea cable that would link La Martyre in Britanny, with either Great Island in Co Wexford or Knockraha, Co Cork.

State-owned electricity grid operator EirGrid has welcomed the €3.8 million in funding for the Celtic Interconnector study, results of which are due next year.

A second feasibility study to be undertaken by Element Power Ireland into a possible interconnector between Co Offaly and Pembroke and Pentir in Wales has been awarded €809,545 in funding.

The two Irish studies were among 20 projects selected for funding across the EU. Overall, the European Commission is allocating €150 million in funding to key trans-European energy infrastructure projects, the bulk of which is to go to schemes in Central Europe.

Minister for Energy Alex White welcomed the announcement, saying that interconnection was of particular importance for countries such as Ireland which have few land borders.