The case will resume on 9 April 2025 following an application from the Department for Infrastructure and the electricity transmission system operator SONI. 

The proceedings were set to challenge a number of decisions by the Department relating to the discharge of pre-commencement conditions associated with the construction of over 100 towering Pylons through 34 km of Armagh and Tyrone countryside.

The case has been brought by Safe Electricity Armagh and Tyrone (SEAT), which says it represents the concerns of around 6,500 local residents in close proximity to the route of the proposed overhead interconnector.

The group says around 150 landowners, mostly small farmers, could be impacted by the proposed pylons, which would stretch from Turleenan in County Tyrone and through Armagh for 34 km before crossing the border into Meath, Cavan and Monaghan for a further 103km.

SEAT has called on Northern Ireland’s new infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins to halt the compulsory wayleave applications for access to lands until these proceedings have concluded.

John Woods from SEAT said: “Not only are there serious issues about the way in which local people have been treated through the process of trying to access private lands but everyone must acknowledge the construction of these huge pylons carrying 400kw cables running through Armagh and Tyrone will blight the landscape, destroy beautiful scenery, damage the environment and reduce the values of homes and farmland.”

He added: “The government needs to face up to the irreversible damage to the countryside, farmers and tourist businesses and recognise that preserving and protecting the countryside and the quality of rural life is a price worth paying.

“We recognise the need to establish ways of delivering clean electricity, but this pylon scheme is not the answer.”