Approval for electricity interconnector

Full planning permission for the 400kv overhead electricity line, known as the North South Interconnector has been given by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure.

Earlier this week the Department published an independent report prepared by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) following a public inquiry into the proposal held in February 2017.

The project involves the construction of a new 275/400kV volt substation in County Tyrone and 34km of 400kV overhead line from there to a crossing point on the Armagh-Monaghan border.

The Republic of Ireland stretch of the project, which is being developed jointly by the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and EirGrid, has already been approved.

During the coming months SONI will hand over the project to NIE Networks who will construct the interconnector.

Robin McCormick, general manager of SONI, told our sister publication Utility Week: “We very much welcome this positive outcome from the Department for Infrastructure.  The North South Interconnector is undoubtedly the most important infrastructure scheme on the island today and will deliver very real benefits to domestic and commercial consumers.

“It has received strong support from businesses and employers because of the positive impact it will have on the economy, and from consumer groups as it will help reduce the cost of electricity.”

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