Eirgrid has welcomed the decision by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) in Northern Ireland to grant planning permission for the northern side of the North South Interconnector.

Plans for the interconnector have been mired in controversy with issues raised on both sides of the Irish border regarding its construction.

Public inquiry

However, after the Planning Appeal Commission in the north held a public inquiry in Armagh in February 2017, a subsequent positive recommendation resulted in the planning being granted.

Although An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the southern side of the project in December 2016, the decision was upheld by the High Court following a number of legal challenges, but a final judicial review is due in January 2018.

Landowners

John Fitzgerald, director of grid development and interconnection at EirGrid Group, said: “While we recognise this project is to the benefit of everyone, we will continue to work to ensure that it is delivered at the least possible impact to the communities and landowners who are hosting it.

“In the coming months we will hand over the project to ESB Networks who will construct the interconnector. In the meantime we will be on the ground engaging with landowners and the community, ensuring they remain up to date on progress and timelines.”

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