Chambers Ireland Welcomes Approval of Cross-Border Interconnector

Chambers Ireland has welcomed the news that Northern Ireland’s Department of Infrastructure has granted full planning permission towards the creation of a 138km North-South electricity interconnector. The cross-border interconnector is to be a joint project between the system operator for Northern Ireland, SONI and EirGrid.

Work on the project is due to begin later this year and is expected to cost about £200 million (€228 million). It is set to run from Meath to Tyrone.

Commenting on the announcement, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said: “Energy security on the island of Ireland is of the utmost importance to business operations here, both indigenous industry and FDI companies. The interconnector will improve security of electricity supply for Irish businesses and in turn strengthen the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM) to the benefit of both businesses and consumers.

“Delivery of the North South Interconnector will remove constraints and bottlenecks which restrict the most efficient flow of energy within the I-SEM and there has been widespread support for this project from the business community.”