North-South interconnector work to begin next year, minister confirms

Two-decade delay ends as Ireland’s power line gets approval

Speaking at the launch of a report by think tank Trifecta Ireland on Wednesday, O’Brien said the electricity link had secured full planning permission and would not undergo any further reviews, The Irish Times reported.

The power line will connect Co Meath and Co Tyrone, with the project expected to save consumers up to €150 million annually.

Plans have been delayed for around 20 years amid political opposition and planning disputes. One recurring issue has been whether the line should be installed underground instead of being carried on pylons.

O’Brien said the project would now proceed without further delays, declaring: “It’s going to be built.”

17 measures proposed to bring down Ireland’s energy bills

The announcement comes as the report highlights the high cost of electricity in Ireland. 

Households currently pay around 40 cents per kilowatt hour, about 40% more than the European average and among the highest rates in the EU.

Trifecta Ireland’s analysis found that network charges, regulation and policy add more to bills than the cost of electricity itself. 

The organisation has outlined 17 potential measures that could help reduce household energy costs by 2030, according to chief executive Conall Bolger.

The interconnector is expected to contribute to those savings, with O’Brien estimating that it could reduce bills by up to €150 million annually. 

After years of delays and four separate studies into the possibility of an underground route, the minister’s latest statement signals that the government intends to move forward with the approved plan.