Interconnector Business leaders in Northern Ireland have expressed their support for the North-South Interconnector, as a public inquiry into the electricity project resumes.

The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CBI NI, the Institute of Directors NI, the Federation of Small Businesses NI, the Centre for Competitiveness and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association are among those backing the stalled £200 million-plus scheme.

While advocates claim that the link between the electricity grids on both sides of the border is vital for the island’s energy market, critics say that it will have negative environmental and health impacts.

Planning permission for the southern section through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan has been approved, although that decision is soon to face a number of legal challenges.

The planning decision on the section through counties Armagh and Tyrone in Northern Ireland will only be made
at the conclusion of the public inquiry, which resumed hearings in Armagh on 22 February. In total, the Interconnector would involve 85 miles of overhead lines and pylons.

Kirsty McManus, from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Businesses and employers need access to electricity in the most cost-efficient manner possible, and the proposed Interconnector is key to achieving this.”