EIRGRID PROMISES “FULL ENGAGEMENT” AS THEY PRESS AHEAD WITH PROJECT

EirGrid’s North-South electricity interconnector project cannot be implemented using undergrounded technology because the method would not be as reliable and stable as required, a report published this week stated. The independent expert review requested by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan TD has backed a previous International Expert Commission report finding that the interconnector should be constructed using above-ground technology or overhead pylons. EirGrid acknowledged the publication of the report and said they would now proceed to the next phase of the project’s development, which would be undertaken with full consultation with all relevant landowners and stakeholders.

The Co Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee said the outcome of the latest review was predictable and “a culmination of missed political opportunities”. The report published on Tuesday was commissioned by Minister Ryan to assess if the findings of the earlier conclusions of the International Expert Commission remained valid in light of changes in technology and costs. The project will see a 400 kV electricity line pass through counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath to link to Armagh and Tyrone in Northern Ireland, forming an all-island linkage which EirGrid argues is vital for future energy needs.

Objectors to the project in the affected counties have contended that the project can be achieved through undergrounding and have pointed to the use of this approach by Eir- Grid in a number of other major electricity developments in other parts of the country. A statement from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on Tuesday said that the independent expert review had been noted by the Cabinet.

“The review found that the conclusions of the 2018 International Expert Commission on the decision to build the North- South Interconnector above ground remain valid,” the Department stated. “This North-South Interconnector will link the electricity transmission networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland by means of a 138km long, highcapacity (1500MW) interconnector.

This strategic project, which is being undertaken by EirGrid and SONI in Northern Ireland, will more than double the power transfer between North and South and is deemed critical to the security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. “In addition, the Interconnector will be able to accommodate a high level of renewable energy on the electricity system, thereby decarbonising our electricity grid and contributing…