The PISCES project is deploying a new subsea telecommunications system connecting Ireland, Portugal, Spain and France, strengthening Europe’s digital backbone. In this video, Tom McMahon, Director and Founder of MDM, explains why a new direct link between Ireland and mainland Europe is becoming increasingly important for connectivity, resilience and economic growth.
Spanning approximately 3 000 kilometres, the multi-fibre cable will create a new high-capacity route from the west coast of Ireland to southern Europe. Designed as an open-access network with a planned 16-fibre architecture, it will enable telecommunications operators, cloud providers, and research and education institutions to share capacity, supporting a competitive and resilient connectivity ecosystem.
This additional route is particularly significant in today’s connectivity landscape. For many years, Ireland’s international data traffic has depended heavily on routes passing through the United Kingdom, while much of Europe’s existing subsea cable infrastructure is ageing. As more services move online, diverse and reliable connections are essential to prevent interruptions and ensure continuity for businesses, public services and citizens.
The project also plans to assess the inclusion of science monitoring and reliable telecommunications (SMART) capabilities, which would enable ocean and climate monitoring through the use of integrated sensors, and improve early warning for hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Backed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, PISCES is part of a new generation of European cable systems designed to enhance resilience and strategic autonomy. By using active branching units to create multiple connection routes, the project will reinforce secure connectivity, support the digital economy and data centre growth, and help Europe remain competitive in high-tech, data-driven industries.
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European Broadband Competence Offices Network Support Facility