SONI North South Electricity Interconnector

SONI are responsible for the safe, secure, efficient and reliable operation of the high voltage electricity system in Northern Ireland. They work in cooperation with NIE to develop grid infrastructure which in turn supports competition in energy, promotes economic growth and facilitates renewable energy.

The North-South Interconnector is a proposed 140km 400kV transmission line extending from Turleenan in County Tyrone to Woodland in County Meath. The section in Northern Ireland spans some 34km. Gravis Planning was engaged in 2012 to support the Planning team with public affairs and stakeholder engagement services.

Issues Encountered

• Political and community sensitivities around proposal
• Urgency and need relating to security of supply risks in Northern Ireland
• Referral of application to PAC Public Inquiry by DoE
• Dual jurisdictional aspect of project affecting planning and legal compliance as well as public affairs strategy

Our Involvement

We have been involved in managing political engagement with key stakeholders and decision makers in relation to the project at all levels. We have advised the client and project team on the provision of public information in the project area along with advice on landowner and community engagement. We have also advised on the provision of online and social media engagement around the project, helping to define messaging and target information to key stakeholders.

We have also provided Assembly monitoring and advice to key Ministers, MLAs and officials in relation to the need for the project along with updates on progress with the PAC inquiry.