The High Court has upheld planning approval for the North-South Interconnector in the Republic of Ireland after a challenge from landowners.

The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign challenged An Bord Pleánala in the High Court, objecting to its decision to approve the construction of approximately 300 pylons carrying 400,000 volts across counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

The challenge also involved EirGrid, who have been tasked with constructing the pylons.

EirGrid has welcomed the decision of the High Court to uphold planning approval for the southern element of the project.

Planning approval for the project was granted by An Bord Pleanála last December. This was subsequently made the subject of judicial review proceedings, culminating in Tuesday’s High Court decision.

John Fitzgerald, director of grid development and interconnection at EirGrid, said: “The North-South Interconnector is undoubtedly the most important infrastructure scheme on the island today and will help deliver very real benefits to domestic and commercial customers.

“We look forward to moving on to the next stage of the project, in particular engaging with landowners in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan who are directly affected by it.”

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