Landowners along the line of the North South Interconnector project are continuing to oppose the project following a letter sent to them by EirGrid in March which detailed two new compensation packages.
Following notification to EirGrid by ESB of its decision to progress the North South Interconnector using Section 53 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, EirGrid wrote to landowners along the route.
In the letters, EirGrid said it provided an update on the project and included two compensation proposals for landowners, including a settlement agreement and an upfront compensation package:
Under both the settlement agreement and upfront compensation package, an early sign-up payment and a goodwill payment would be available, EirGird added.
Landowners could also be entitled to make a claim for compensation for loss of development as well, subject to certain conditions, EirGrid told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Additional compensation
As part of the updated approach, for the upfront compensation package landowners can make a claim for additional compensation from ESB within six years from the start of works on their land with the option of arbitration in default of agreement, according to Eirgrid.
EirGrid and SONI, the transmission system operators in Ireland and Northern Ireland have identified the North South Interconnector as a high priority project for the all-island transmission system.
The project involves the installation of a 400kV overhead line across approximately 138km, starting in Co Meath and following through counties Cavan, Monaghan and Armagh to Tyrone.
The planning of the project has been undertaken by EirGrid in the Republic of Ireland with its construction to be carried out by ESB Networks.
It has undergone an extensive planning process and now has full planning and legal consent, EirGrid said.
Electricity security
According to EirGrid, it aims to improve the security of electricity supply, provide savings for consumers and allow for more renewables to be integrated on the grid and transported across the island.
“As outlined in the accelerating infrastructure taskforce’s report and action plan, independent estimates by ENTSOE put project cost savings for electricity consumers on the island of Ireland to be in the region of €100m per year once energised.
"The delays to the project have not allowed these benefits to be realised as intended,” EirGrid told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Opposition
Landowners along the route of the proposed interconnector have remained opposed to the project for a number of years.
“As far as I can see, there has been no engagement, apart from that letter which there has been no follow-up to it,” Nigel Hillis, a landowner from Co Monaghan said.
“They are not proactive in the community, they’re not contacting farmers or landowners,” he added.
“There hasn't been any change in people's reaction on the ground. Certainly, there has been no communications. They keep saying that there has been communications with landowners on the ground, but there has been none,” a landowner along the route, who didn't wish to be named, said.
Landowners suggested that the cables could be placed underground as is done in other countries.
However, assessments on the option of undergrounding the North South Interconnector have been carried out on three occasions.
In 2011, the Government commissioned a team of international experts to evaluate the project; in 2018, the Government commissioned an international expert commission’s report and a subsequent independent review took place in 2023.
These assessments found that an overhead line remained the most appropriate option for the project and that placing it underground would not be the most viable option.
“EirGrid will only underground projects where it is technically feasible and achievable. The project does not meet these criteria,” EirGrid stated.
SHARING OPTIONS