Poots announces public inquiry for North/South interconnector

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced that he has referred proposals for the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) North /South Interconnector at Trewmount Road, Moy, to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) for a public inquiry.

The proposal is for the erection of a single circuit overhead line from a new substation at Trewmount Road, Moy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The proposed line would cross lands within both Dungannon and Armagh Council areas and connect with the proposed network in the Republic of Ireland.

The minister made his decision following consideration of a number of issues surrounding the application. The Minister said “This proposal raises a number of issues which need further exploration. This includes the impact on public health and the consideration of alternative technologies such as underground cabling.

"I have given the application careful consideration and I have considered the options open to me through the Article 31 process. In this case I am of the opinion that the best way forward is to deal with the application through the public local inquiry process."

Notes to editors:

1. The application, accompanied by an Environmental Statement was submitted on 15 December 2009. The applicant is NIE plc.
2. It was designated under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 on 29 March 2010.
3. The proposal seeks full planning permission for the proposed erection of a single circuit 400kV overhead line from a new 400/275kV substation at Trewmount Road, Moy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone to the townlands of Crossreagh and Crossbane, Co Armagh where it would connect with the proposed network in the Republic of Ireland.
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