Ibec welcomes North South Interconnector decision

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has today welcomed the decision by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon MLA, to enhance cross border connectivity and grant full planning approval for the planned 400kv North South electricity interconnector. Business and consumers in both jurisdictions will significantly benefit from this important decision to proceed to construction.  
 
Commenting on the decision, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “the North South Interconnector is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure needed for Ireland in the next few years. Its delivery is essential to safeguarding security of electricity supply on the island of Ireland and ensuring the ongoing operation of the all-island electricity market. The interconnector will also boost the efficiency and sustainability of the grid – resulting in savings to consumers across the island of around £25.5m/ €30m per year. The major competitive challenges created by Brexit make construction of the North-South Interconnector now more relevant than ever before. Following today’s decision, it is critical all stakeholders get behind this project, and ensure its delivery as a priority for our shared island.”
 
In addition, the Ibec/CBI Joint Business Council has consistently argued that this interconnector is a crucial element of the shared infrastructure needed to underpin and sustain growth and job creation in the all island economy.