The UK Prime Minister and the Irish Taoiseach announced closer collaboration on energy production at the first of a series of annual summits between the two countries.

The two prime ministers announced closer collaboration on subsea energy infrastructure to “harness the full potential” of the Irish and Celtic seas as part of ongoing efforts to reset post-Brexit relations.

The pact includes a new data-sharing arrangement to lay the groundwork for connections between the growing number of offshore windfarms and onshore national energy networks. They say it will cut red tape and minimise “the burden of maritime and environmental consent processes for developers”.

Micheál Martin, the Irish PM, said the cooperation would also include a joint initiative to map the sea basin to improve the interoperability of energy interconnectors. “There is good cooperation between us on energy, and I am particularly delighted that, following this summit, in recognition of critical importance of the Celtic and Irish seas, we will take that cooperation to a higher level,” he said.

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, said: “Energy security and national security are two sides of the same coin, that is why we must work with our allies and partners across the world to protect the hardworking British people from external factors driving up household bills.

“As our closest neighbour, our partnership with Ireland is testament to the importance of working with international partners to deliver for people at home.