“Protecting Ireland’s Undersea Cables Is Essential for Europe’s Security” – Kelly

Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has urged Ireland and the European Union to prioritise the protection of critical undersea infrastructure in the face of mounting security threats. Highlighting Ireland’s unique role as a hub for transatlantic data traffic, Kelly called for a coordinated approach to safeguard undersea cables vital to global communications and economic stability.

Speaking ahead of a European Parliament debate on critical undersea infrastructure , Kelly said: “Ireland is at the heart of Europe’s digital connectivity, with over 75% of undersea cables in the Northern Hemisphere passing through or near our waters”.

Citing recent incidents of suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea and the presence of Russian vessels near Irish waters, Kelly pointed to the vulnerabilities of this infrastructure. “The sighting of Russian intelligence ships near Ireland’s exclusive economic zone is a stark reminder of the growing threats we face. These cables are strategic assets, and any disruption would have catastrophic consequences for Ireland, Europe, and the world,” he warned.

Proactive measures are needed to address these threats, according to MEP Kelly.

“Neutrality must not be mistaken for passivity. We have a responsibility to safeguard our resources, and that includes investing in our naval capabilities. Cooperation is key to defending against modern threats, whether they come from state actors or other malicious forces,” he said.

At European level, Kelly called for a coordinated response to protect undersea infrastructure. “While private companies operate much of this infrastructure, the responsibility for its security cannot rest on them alone. A coordinated EU approach is essential to ensure robust monitoring and protection. We need to work together to establish comprehensive security standards and rapid response mechanisms”.

There are also broader implications of cable disruptions: “From financial markets to critical services like healthcare, any interruption to undersea cables would be deeply damaging. It’s not just about connectivity; it’s about our economic resilience and our collective security,” Kelly warned.