Ireland has received the IRIS subsea fiber optic cable, linking Galway directly to Iceland and enhancing its role as a European digital connectivity hub.

Overview of the IRIS Cable

The IRIS cable is a high-speed subsea fiber optic system spanning approximately 1,700 km, connecting Thorlakshofn in Iceland to Ballyloughnane Strand in Galway, Ireland . Commissioned by Farice, Iceland's government-owned telecommunications provider, the cable provides direct high-capacity connectivity to Iceland and onward to Northern Europe via Denmark . The system is designed with six fiber pairs, offering a total capacity of 132 Tbps, or 22 Tbps per fiber pair, enabling faster, more reliable internet and data transmission .

Strategic Significance

The IRIS cable strengthens Ireland's position as a gateway to Europe for international subsea telecoms. It enhances digital connectivity, supporting businesses in expanding their market reach, attracting investment, and improving access to public services . For Iceland, the cable provides strategic digital autonomy, making Ireland its nearest digital neighbor and offering direct access to European markets without routing through other countries .

Technical and Operational Details

• Length: 1,700 km
• Capacity: 132 Tbps total, 22 Tbps per fiber pair
• Ownership: Farice (Icelandic government)
• Installation: Supplied by SubCom, with provisional acceptance in November 2022 and service operational from March 1, 2023
• Route: Crosses the North Atlantic seabed, with careful planning to avoid environmental and historical sites

Broader Context

Ireland is already a major hub for undersea cables, with around 75% of northern hemisphere cables passing through or near Irish waters, carrying nearly 97% of global communications traffic . The IRIS cable complements domestic fiber networks, such as Open Eir's 50,000 km of fiber, which provides high-speed connectivity to over 1.4 million homes and businesses and supports the rollout of 5 Gbps broadband services . Together, these investments position Ireland as a digitally advanced and resilient country, ready to meet future connectivity demands.

Economic and Social Impact

The IRIS cable is expected to contribute to faster economic growth, job creation, and expanded markets. It also supports Ireland's ambition to combine high-quality digital infrastructure with renewable technology and skills, ensuring the country remains competitive in both digital and climate innovation . In summary, the IRIS subsea cable represents a major milestone in Ireland's digital infrastructure, enhancing international connectivity, supporting economic development, and reinforcing Ireland's strategic role in global telecommunications.