North-South Interconnector Awaits Planning Condition Discharge Before Construction
Saturday 7 November 2026
The North-South electricity interconnector is awaiting local authority decisions on discharging planning conditions before construction can start, the Dáil has heard.
The North-South interconnector is awaiting local authority decisions on the discharge of planning conditions before construction can commence, the Dáil has heard.
Minister of State Alan Dillon provided an update on the electricity transmission scheme in response to questions from Cavan-Monaghan TD David Maxwell and Meath East TD Darren O'Rourke. Dillon confirmed that construction is scheduled to begin once the outstanding planning conditions are discharged by the relevant local authorities.
Critical Infrastructure Status
In July, the Government designated the North-South interconnector as critical infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act, alongside Moneypoint's 400 kV series capacitor and the Letterkenny 110 kV station redevelopment. Both the Moneypoint and Letterkenny developments have since secured planning permission and are advancing towards delivery.
To expedite progress on the North-South route, Dillon noted that engagement has taken place directly with the local authority, including acceleration measures such as the appointment of a dedicated project co-ordinator.
Overhead Route and Statutory Powers
Addressing calls from local representatives to reconsider undergrounding the cables through counties Monaghan and Meath, Dillon reiterated the Government's position supporting an overhead route. Independent reviews conducted since 2008, including a report published in March 2023, concluded that undergrounding the line is not feasible.
Project developer EirGrid contacted affected landowners in March and October to outline delivery plans. ESB, as the owner of the electricity grid, intends to use statutory wayleave powers to erect pylons and place cables across the designated route. Project funding has been provided under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) price review 6, with recoupment to be addressed through network tariffs.
Deputies Maxwell and O'Rourke raised ongoing objections from local communities along the route, arguing that undergrounding remained the favoured option among residents and local councillors in the affected areas.