Statement in response to the granting of planning permission to the North-South Interconnector

In welcoming the granting of planning permission for a second North-South Interconnector, Kirsty McManus, National Director of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Northern Ireland, said:

“This decision finally puts to rest what had been the very real prospect of a ‘lights out’ scenario for Northern Ireland, and will be a major game-changer for the local economy by vastly improving security of supply and the efficiency of our electricity network.

“When complete, it will reduce the costs of electricity to both domestic and business consumers so the benefits to the economy as a whole are obvious.

“We agree with the Department of Infrastructure’s assertion that the project should progress without any further delay and urge all relevant stakeholders to work together to help make this happen.”