North-South Interconnector Awaits Planning Condition Decisions Before Construction, Dáil Hears

The North-South electricity interconnector is awaiting local authority decisions on discharging planning conditions before construction can start, the Dáil has heard.

Responding to parliamentary questions from Cavan-Monaghan TD David Maxwell and Meath TD Darren O'Rourke, Minister of State Alan Dillon confirmed that the cross-border transmission project is awaiting decisions from relevant councils regarding compliance with planning conditions. Direct engagement has taken place with council officials regarding project acceleration, including the appointment of a dedicated project co-ordinator.

The project was designated as critical infrastructure in July under the Critical Infrastructure Act, alongside grid works at Moneypoint and Letterkenny. While the Moneypoint and Letterkenny schemes have secured planning approval and are advancing, interconnector construction remains subject to clearing final local authority conditions.

Addressing route concerns in counties Monaghan and Meath, the Minister of State stated that the Government maintains its support for an overhead line based on developer EirGrid's assessments and independent reports, including a review published in March 2023. ESB plans to progress works using statutory wayleave powers for cables and pylons on required lands, with project funding provided under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' price review 6.

Deputies Maxwell and O'Rourke highlighted sustained community opposition across Monaghan and Meath, reiterating local demands from residents and councillors that the high-voltage line should be placed underground.