Commenting on today’s decision by An Bord Pleanála, Christopher Morrow, Head of Policy at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said:

“Given that planning permission for the Southern section of the North South Interconnector has now been granted by An Bord Pleanála, we must now receive a positive decision from the Northern Ireland Planning Inquiry to be held in February 2017.

“Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry has for a long time highlighted the North South Interconnector as one of the key infrastructure projects that will benefit our members.

“The North South Interconnector is vital to ensure the effective operation of an efficient all-island electricity market, to exert downward pressure on electricity prices for business and domestic consumers throughout Northern Ireland, and to utilise renewable energy resources.”