North South Interconnector

As the status of the project progresses, this webpage will provide the latest updates and information, as well as all relevant brochures, documents and community engagement details. In the event that you have a query which is not covered in our FAQ section, you can reach out to our project team via the contact information below.

Peer organisations EirGrid and SONI operate the electricity grid across the island, in Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively, but currently there is only one interconnector between the two jurisdictions. 

A problem on this interconnector could result in widespread power failures.

As things stand, we have to restrict the amount of power that can flow through the existing infrastructure in order to limit the possibility of any such issues arising. 

However, in light of rising demand, the levels available at present are well below the secure and sustainable supply which electricity users will need.

This project will allow us to:

A second, higher-capacity interconnector is being added, to connect the electricity grids of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It will connect to the network in Northern Ireland in Co Tyrone, cross the border between Armagh and Monaghan, and then join the network in Ireland at an existing substation in Co Meath. 

As this is a cross-border project, it is subject to planning laws in both jurisdictions. 

The grid in Northern Ireland is managed by the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI). For details on the Northern Ireland section of the interconnector, visit the SONI project website.

A second North South interconnector will improve the security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. 

It will improve the efficiency of the electricity system, put downward pressure on costs and ultimately save money for bill-payers.

The increased capacity will also enable more renewable energy on the grid. This is essential to achieve our climate change targets and increase energy independence.

It will also provide benefit to the people and communities surrounding the new interconnector.

Increasing the grid capacity will also provide a platform for further social and economic growth in those regions.

As part of our six-step approach to developing projects, we ask for regular feedback from the public and other stakeholders. 

The project has undergone an extensive planning process and subsequent legal challenges. 

It now has full planning and legal consent in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

2025

Landowner Engagement, Compensation Packages and Proximity Payments

EirGrid is now engaging with landowners who will be hosting infrastructure about related compensation packages. EirGrid will also discuss entitlement to proximity payments with those living within 200 metres of the line.

Following an extensive period of consultation, EirGrid has now concluded its primary engagement process with landowners. Individual compensation payments are subject to an ongoing process.

Community Engagement and Community Benefit

EirGrid will establish two Community Forums along the route. EirGrid will establish two community forums along the route of the project. One Forum for Cavan/Monaghan and and one in Meath. 

These forums afford residents an opportunity for open meaningful dialogue with the project team, ensuring regular updates and helping to deliver meaningful community benefit. 

The forums will be independently facilitated and democratically elected. We recognise the importance of local communities and businesses who facilitate the upgrading of the electricity transmission network. 

While the North-South Interconnector is being built, we will work to support communities to develop a community benefit strategy to ensure lasting and impactful benefits to those communities hosting our infrastructure. 

A dedicated fund for the North-South Interconnector Project will be made available to provide direct benefits to communities who are closest to the project. 

This fund will support local community groups, as well as not-for-profit and social enterprises who are providing services, activities and facilities for the well-being of their localities.

Below you will find documents relating to this project. You can also search for 'North South' in our Publications section for all related documents.

Maps

Documents

Related Websites