Eirgrid’s strategy plan with Interconnector front and centre, slammed as ‘fantasy’

Eirgrid's decision to place the North South Interconnector project front and centre if its priority projects has been dismissed as “a fantasy” by anti pylons campaigners.

The controversial project is top of the list of 29 priority projects identified in the company's Group Strategy 2026 published last week, with construction listed as starting on 1st June this year.

The North East Pylon Pressure Campsign (NEPPC) dismissed the starting date as fantasy

“It is not possible to start anything until the nine conditions attached to the planning approval have been complied with and approved by the three local authorities. None of this has happened yet, despite it being close to 10 years since the approval and conditions were given. The June 1st date is a fantasy,” said NEPPC spokesperson, Padraig O'Reilly.

The North South Interconnector would connect the electricity grids of Ireland and Northern Ireland with 400 pylons and a 138 kilometre line through counties Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone.

Eirgrid launched its Group Strategy 2026, last week setting out an ambitious roadmap “to transform Ireland’s electricity grid for a future where every home business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity.”

The strategy outlines how Eirgrid will deliver the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system, following regulatory approval of an €18.9 billion programme of investment to strengthen the electricity grid over the strategy period to 2030,

As part of the strategy, Eirgrid has identified 29 priority projects to meet growing electricity demand, including the North South Interconnector and the Kildare Meath Grid Upgrade, which will add a high-capacity 400 kV underground electricity connection between Dunstown substation in Co Kildare and Woodland substation in Co Meath.

A spokesperson for Eirgrid said this week: “Construction on the project will be undertaken by ESB and is expected to begin later this year.

“Eirgrid is committed to working with ESB to ensure the construction and delivery of the North South Interconnector, which is estimated for completion in October 2031.”

She said: “Eirgrid is continuing our engagement with landowners. In March 2026, Eirgrid wrote to landowners along the route of the North South Interconnector project in respect of the placing of infrastructure on or across their lands and we are engaging with landowners currently in relation to this. This follows notification to Eirgrid by ESB of its decision to progress the North South Interconnector using Section 53 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927.

“In the coming months, Eirgrid will engage with community and voluntary groups in the project area in Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath with a view to establishing community forums in line with Eirgrid's standard public engagement approach for major infrastructure projects it delivers.”

She said the interconnector's national importance is acknowledged by the Irish Government and is specifically called out in the Government's Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Report and Action Plan published in December 2025.

“It will improve the security of electricity supply, provide savings for consumers, and allow for more renewables to be integrated on the grid and transported across the island.

“The delivery of this project will support national and local economic growth and a resilient society. Robust electricity infrastructure that is fit for purpose can drive inward investment and employment in the region and beyond.”

She said the interconnector's cost savings for electricity consumers on the island of Ireland would be in the region of €100 million per year once energised. “The delays to the project have not allowed these benefits to be realised as intended.”

Launching the group strategy, Eirgrid Chief Financial Officer, Michael Behan said: “We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland.

“While electricity demand is increasing at pace due to population and economic growth and the electrification of society, there is huge growth in renewable generation.

“A modern fit-for-purpose grid opens the country up to more possibilities. And the Kildare Meath Grid Upgrade will support the development of the grid of the future, one that supports regional development, housing and economic growth.

“Our ambition is clear, to build and operate a grid that can power Ireland’s future. By delivering infrastructure at pace and at scale, we are not only supporting the energy transition, we are also supporting long-term social and economic progress in communities across Meath.”

To deliver the strategy, Eirgrid will significantly expand its workforce to deliver major infrastructure programmes across the country.

Over the past five years, Eirgrid has grown from a workforce of 500 to 1,500 and over the period of the strategy that will reach over 2,000 to facilitate and drive growth.

Eirgrid said that along with building capacity, strong emphasis has been put on collaboration in the development of the strategy, including meaningful collaboration with local communities.

“Over the next five years, Eirgrid will work closely with Government, regulators, industry and communities to deliver an unprecedented level of investment in energy infrastructure, supporting national climate targets, while unlocking economic opportunity across the country, Mr Behan said.”