Welcoming the news that the PAC has made its recommendation, Christopher Morrow, Head of Policy at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said:

“Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) welcomes the news that the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) has issued its recommendation on the outcome of the planning applications for the North South Interconnector to the Department for Infrastructure. We now look forward to the Department for Infrastructure announcing a decision as soon as possible.

“Delivery of the North South Interconnector is a top priority for the NI Chamber’s membership. Businesses and employers need access to electricity in the most cost efficient manner possible, and the proposed Interconnector is key to achieving this.

“It is an essential piece of infrastructure which will allow the all-island electricity market to do what it was designed to do – achieve savings for all consumers North and South.

“This piece of infrastructure has real value to business and therefore to our members and we will continue to vocalise our support until a decision is made by government – hopefully no later than the end of this year.”