EirGrid set for courts in Interconnector battle [Video]

EirGrid is set to seek the legal right to enter landowners’ fields to allow it to begin developing the controversial North-South Interconnector, writes Brian Mahon.

EirGrid confirmed to the Irish Daily Mail that it is set to move on to the next phase of the development of the project.

The North-South Interconnector (NSIC) is seen as critical by Government and EirGrid to improving the efficient operation of the integrated Single Electricity Market of Ireland and Northern Ireland, accommodating a high level of renewable energy on the electricity system, and to increasing security of electricity supply to customers across the island.

The section of overhead line in Ireland is 104km and passes through more than 400 land holdings. There are also more than 1,050 dwellings within 500 metres of the proposed line. Many affected landowners have expressed their opposition to the plan and have unsuccessfully taken judicial reviews against the project.

A review commissioned …