CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a new £200 million cross-border energy project have voiced their disappointment after the scheme was given the green light.
The decision has been taken by civil servants at the Department for Infrastructure in the absence of a minister at Stormont and comes after a recommendation by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), which held a public inquiry into the application last year.
Campaigners were concerned about the planned construction of pylons for the 400kV overhead electricity line running for 21 miles through parts of Armagh and Tyrone.
Approval has already been secured from planning authorities south of the border for the 63-mile section through Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.
Those opposed to the plan had campaigned for cables to be buried under ground.
Chairman of the Safe Energy for Armagh/Tyrone Jim Lennon last night said the detail of the decision will now be considered by the campaign group.
“We have a professional and legal team going through the documents at the moment,” he said.
A spokesman for DfI said: "In arriving at the final decision, the department carefully considered and agreed with the independent report and recommendations of the PAC which states there is an urgent and compelling need for the proposed development.
"The department considered that it is in the public interest to take this decision, without further delay, given the strategic importance of the project for the region."
The interconnector is a joint project between the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and EirGrid.
Robin McCormick, general manager of SONI, said working with landowners and the community remained a priority.
"The North South Interconnector is undoubtedly the most important infrastructure scheme on the island today and will deliver very real benefits to domestic and commercial consumers," he said.
"It has received strong support from businesses and employers because of the positive impact it will have on the economy, and from consumer groups as it will help reduce the cost of electricity.
"While we recognise this project is to the benefit of everyone, we will continue to work to ensure that it is delivered at the least possible impact to the communities and landowners who are hosting it."
Business leaders have also welcomed the development.
CBI NI Director Angela McGowan said members of the business community will be relieved by the decision.
"The North-South Interconnector represents a critical piece of infrastructure for the NI economy - it offers the potential to secure our electricity supply for years to come, drive down energy prices for everyone and deliver tangible benefits to an array of important sectors,” she said.
Ellvena Graham, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The North South Interconnector is urgently required to improve security of electricity supply in Northern Ireland."
