James O’Reilly has been appointed chief executive of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, which is implementing a 500MW link between Ireland and the UK.
O’Reilly (pictured) joins Greenlink with the project moving into the construction phase later this year with a planned completion date in 2024.
Previously, he held the position of chief operating officer for international renewable energy developer, Phelan Energy Group as well as having led major engineering and communication network firms in both Ireland and the US.
Greenlink board chairman, Padraig McManus aid: “We are very pleased to have somebody of James O’Reilly’s calibre and experience to lead the next phase of the delivery of Greenlink.
“This is an exciting time for the project with planning permission secured and a great deal of credit for the progress we have made to date, must go to James’s predecessor, Nigel Beresford.
“Nigel’s determination, commitment and energy is a major part of the reason why we have made such strides towards delivering this vital piece of infrastructure.”
O’Reilly said: “I am particularly excited to be joining Greenlink at a time when the debates around climate change and energy supply are very much to the fore.
“Greenlink is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects and brings benefits on both sides of the Irish Sea for energy security, regional investment, jobs and the cost-effective integration of low carbon energy.”