EirGrid Offers Landowners Up to €50,000 Per Pylon for North-South Interconnector
EirGrid is offering landowners along its north-south power line up to €50,000 per pylon, totaling €40 million in compensation. This interconnector, linking Irish and Northern Irish electricity networks, aims for 2031 completion, promising €100 million annual savings and enhanced supply security. Despite opposition, technical reviews confirmed overhead lines are necessary.
EirGrid has confirmed a new offer to landowners along its proposed north-south power line, running from Co Meath to Co Tyrone, which will link electricity networks in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Landowners can receive up to €50,000 for each pylon placed on their property, with the total compensation package costing EirGrid €40 million.
Two options are available: a «settlement agreement» of €50,000 per pylon and €160 per metre for lines (minimum €8,000), or an «upfront payment» of €43,000 per pylon and €140 per metre for lines (minimum €8,000). Those taking the upfront payment can seek further compensation within six years of work starting. EirGrid previously offered €50,000 per pylon in 2023 for an easement, but now ESB will use Section 53 of the Electricity Supply Act, 1927, for access, which also allows owners to seek compensation.
Landowners signing up early will receive goodwill payments and may claim compensation for loss of development. EirGrid maintains the new offer will not exceed the €40 million allocated. The project, expected to be completed in 2031, aims to save electricity customers €100 million annually, increase supply security, enable more renewable power, and boost competition. EirGrid manages the project in the Republic, and System Operator Northern Ireland handles the northern section. Despite local opposition for undergrounding, technical reviews deemed it unfeasible for this critical infrastructure.