PISCES Cable System Applies for Irish Regulatory Consent
A new subsea cable will link Ireland to major European hubs to improve international telecommunications connectivity.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Data Centers
Live Poll
Should private telecommunications companies face strict regulatory oversight for subsea cable installations?
PISCES Cable System Limited submitted a regulatory consent application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority on 5 October 2026. The project aims to establish a 3,125km subsea connection between Ireland and mainland Europe.
Why it matters
The route seeks to diversify Ireland's existing international communications infrastructure by providing direct data links to France, Spain, and Portugal. It is supported by investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and the EU Connecting Europe Facility.
The proposed PISCES system features a 3,125km subsea cable configuration containing 16 fibre pairs. The filing under reference number MAC260029 covers all aspects from installation to future decommissioning.
The players
Orange
A multinational telecommunications corporation that is part of the joint venture delivering the PISCES cable system.
Equitix
An investment firm specializing in infrastructure that partnered to develop the new subsea telecommunications link.
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority
The Irish regulatory body responsible for reviewing the consent application for offshore infrastructure projects.
The details
The joint venture formed by Orange, Equitix, and MDM plans to landfall the cable at Ballyloughane Strand in Galway Bay. This infrastructure project serves as a key initiative to enhance the resilience and capacity of data transit between Ireland and strategic points in France, Spain, and Portugal.
Timeline
January 2025: Marine survey applications were first reported.
August 2026: Marine route surveys reached completion.
5 October 2026: The MARA consent application was formally submitted.
14 October 2026: Orange, Equitix, and MDM announced their joint venture.
2028: The system deployment is currently anticipated.
The Tech Race
The PISCES project follows the funding pattern established by the EU Connecting Europe Facility for transcontinental digital infrastructure. This development reflects a broader industry shift toward increasing redundant and diversified data paths to support growing European connectivity demands.
The project aims to improve the stability and speed of international data connections, which could eventually lead to more reliable network performance for users in participating regions. While it primarily affects commercial traffic, these infrastructure upgrades are essential for maintaining modern digital service accessibility.
The takeaway
Subsea cable projects require years of planning and regulatory oversight before deployment can begin. Improving national connectivity often depends on the formation of international partnerships and the alignment of public and private financial support.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving state of global network infrastructure, visit the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ireland Afloat.
Live Poll
Should private telecommunications companies face strict regulatory oversight for subsea cable installations?
