Planning permission granted for North South electricity interconnector

Full planning permission for the 400kv overhead electricity line, known as the North South Interconnector has been granted. The proposed development will create a cross border electricity line with the Republic of Ireland.

The Department has today published the independent report prepared by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) following a public inquiry into the proposal held in February 2017. During the four day hearing the Commission heard submissions and considered evidence from all parties before presenting its findings to the Department. The PAC report includes full consideration of the planning issues and recommends that planning permission is granted.  Importantly, the report endorses the significant strategic importance of the development for Northern Ireland at an international, national and regional level and its compliance with planning policy.

In arriving at the final decision the Department carefully considered and agreed with the independent report and recommendations of the PAC, which states there is an urgent and compelling need for the proposed development.

The Department considered that it is in the public interest to take this decision, without further delay, given the strategic importance of the project for the region.

Notes to editors: 

1. Planning applications O/2009/0792/F and O/2013/0214/F were submitted on 15 December 2009 and 30 April 2013 respectively. The applicants are the Systems Operators Northern Ireland (SONI).
2. The applications are for Regionally Significant development under Section 26 of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and was processed by the Department for Infrastructure’s Strategic Planning Division.
3. O/2009/0792 was for the erection of a single circuit 400kV overhead line comprising 102 towers over 34.1kms from Trewmount Road, Moy in the townland of Turleenan to the border with the Republic of Ireland at the townland of Doohat or Crossreagh and a further section of overhead line extending for 0.2kms across the townland of Crossbane. Amendments to existing 275kV line removing one existing 275kV tower and erection of two new 275Kv towers. Connection via a new 400/275kV substation at land to the rear of 152 Trewmount Road.

   O/2013/0214/F was for the carrying out associated works required for the erection of a single circuit 400kV overhead line comprising 102 towers over 34.1kms from Trewmount Road, Moy, in the townland of Turleenan to the border with the Republic of Ireland at the townland of Doohat or Crossreagh and a further section of overhead line extending for 0.2kms across the townland of Crossbane. Works to include site levelling, site preparation works, amending existing access points, construction of new access points, construction of new access lanes, construction of working areas, stringing areas, guarding, site boundary fencing and related mitigation works. Associated works required to amend the existing 275kV line removing one existing 275kV tower and erection of two new 275kV towers. Associated works required to enable connection via a new 400/275kV substation at Trewmount Road.

4. There have been in excess of 6,000 letters of objection to the original proposal and over 3,500 objections since the submission of the consolidated ES. Seventy-nine letters of support have been received in relation to the applications.
5. The PAC report can be found through Public Access on the Planning Portal www.planningni.gov.uk using the reference number O/2009/0792/F or O/2013/0214/F.
6. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
7. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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