Landowners along the route received letters on Friday informing them that ESB will be seeking access to their lands by a different legal route.

Eirgrid changes tack in methods of land access for pylon construction

Ann Casey

Published: Fri 20 Mar 2026, 3:08 PM

Moves to gain access to lands along the route of the controversial North South Interconnector will be met with fierce opposition, Eirgrid and ESB have been warned.

The warning came as landowners along the route received letters informing them that ESB will be seeking access to their lands by a different legal route.

The move has been met with an angry reaction with the North East Pylon Pressure Group warning that landowners are determined to fight any attempts to gain access to their lands.

Padraig O'Reilly of NEPPC said that whatever process Eirgrid/ESB use, it will meet with fierce opposition as landowners are as "determined as ever" to fight the proposals.

"It is now 10 years since the Interconnector was granted planning permission and none of the nine conditions of the planning permission relating to access of land has been signed off and agreed with the local authorities," he said.

Mr O'Reilly explained the move to seek access to lands through Section 53 wayleave notices instead of compulsory acquisition easement is just a technicality, but could appear as more intimidating to farmers who have no representation.

"Farmers are familiar with Section 53 notices being used to put up a pole on their land and may think it is the same, but it is completely different," he said.

Deputy Darren O’Rourke condemned the latest shift in approach by Eirgrid.

"It will be met with fierce opposition and further prolonged delay. Neither Eirgrid nor the government are listening or learning lessons.

"What we are seeing is a pattern of behaviour. Eirgrid, backed by a Government that is currently rushing through draconian Critical Infrastructure legislation, seems incapable of engaging in good faith with the people who are most affected by this project. They change strategy, they move goalposts, and they leave communities and landowners in the dark.

"Instead of resorting to strong-arm tactics and legal loopholes that will only invite more opposition and delay, the Government and Eirgrid need to hit the reset button. They need to come back to the table and engage honestly with landowners and communities. You cannot bulldoze your way to infrastructure delivery by treating people with contempt. This decision guarantees more conflict, nothing more.

"It's clear neither Eirgrid nor the government are listening or learning lessons. Until that changes, nothing will," he said.

Pádraig Slyne of Eirgrid wrote to Deputy O'Rourke last week informing him of the letter they sent to the landowners.

He said the ESB would gain access by serving of a wayleave notice under Section 53. "ESB has decided not to make an application to the CRU to compulsorily acquire an easement for the infrastructure to be placed on or across land," he said.

Mr Slyne said the letters issued to landowners provided 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," he said.

Mr Slyne explained the planning of the North South Interconnector project has been undertaken by Eirgrid in the Republic of Ireland. The construction of the North South Interconnector is to be carried out by ESB Networks.

"Eirgrid believe that the completion of this project will support both the economy in the north east and border regions, as well as on an all-island basis.

"Additionally, a dedicated community benefit fund will be made available to provide direct benefits to those communities living near the project infrastructure, in line with all new strategic infrastructure that Eirgrid deliver.

"Eirgrid’s public engagement team will engage and work with communities to establish community forum to plan for the fair allocation of this funding across the project area."

Mr Slyne pointed out the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan published in December stated a “compelling case remains that NSIC must be delivered for the benefit of customers overall, removing market constraints, enhancing security of supply, affordability, and facilitating the connection of renewable generation.”