LUNCH & LEARN

For the first time, two members participated together – the engineer (Nicolas Faure of Nexans) and the solicitor (Stéphane Gasne of DS Avocats), the two having met at the NetworkIrlande Cross-Chamber drinks on May 22nd of this year where they realised that they were working on the same project but from different perspectives. This project is the Celtic Interconnector, a major strategic infrastructure project that will create an electrical interconnection between Ireland and France to allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries. The project is co-run by Eirgrid in Ireland and RTE in France, will have an exchange capacity of 700MW (the equivalent of supplying power to around 450,000 homes) and will be 575km in length, of which 500km is subsea.
Over the course of 90 minutes, Nicolas and Stephane talked through what an interconnector is, the varying roles and responsibilities, the practicalities of working on a project of this size and scope and the risks involved. The two shared anecdotes and photographs and very much brought the project to life for the group. Over lunch the two were peppered with questions and everyone in the room learned a lot, bringing this project that we regularly hear about down to basics that we could all understand. 
Many thanks once again to Nicolas and Stéphane and for everyone who came and participated so actively in the event. Should any business members wish to organise a Lunch & Learn event, please contact us at admin@networkirlande.com