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. 

March 2026  

EirGrid has written to landowners along the route of the North South Interconnector project in respect of the placing of infrastructure on or across their lands.  

The letters provide an update on the project and outline a revised compensation proposal and next steps.  

The letters issued follow an extensive engagement process carried out over the last number of years by EirGrid with landowners, and are the next step in our engagement process towards the construction of the project. 

ESB has also written to landowners over whose lands access is needed to facilitate the construction of the project. 

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