SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) has prepared a draft Transmission Development Plan (TDPNI 2018-2027) for Grid Development in Northern Ireland between 2018 and 2027.  

The TDPNI 2018-2027 outlines how we propose to improve and develop the transmission grid over the next 10 years. 

The plan details various project options that may be developed over this period to ensure a safe, secure and reliable transmission system for Northern Ireland.

The SONI policies and objectives that guide sustainable grid development are also detailed in the TDPNI. 

We want you to have the opportunity to comment on and influence the TDPNI and associated environmental reports (Strategic Environmental Assessment – Environmental Report and Habitats Regulation Assessment) before they are finalised. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process by which environmental considerations are integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes prior to their completion. SEA aims to provide a high level of protection of the environment, integrating environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans, promoting sustainable development. 

Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) is a process by which impacts on nature conservation sites, designated Special Areas of conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) are examined. This assessment aims to ensure that a plan will not have an negative effect on the integrity of any SAC or SPA site.

Natasha Sayee, SONI spokesperson, says all views are welcome:

“It is important that we hear your opinions about how environmental considerations have been integrated into the TPDNI 2018-2027.  Anyone with a view can make a submission from the 27 November 2018 to 31 January 2019.   We’ve extended the period of consultation to cover the Christmas period and hope that people find this helpful.  Meanwhile, a further period of consultation on the updated TDPNI will be carried out by the Utility Regulator later in 2019.  We will keep our website updated to ensure anyone interested remains informed.”

To view hardcopies of the draft TDPNI and associated environmental reports, visit RPS (environmental consultants engaged on this project), 74 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6RZ. Their offices are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Submissions can also be made by email to info@soni.ltd.uk. Please include “Response to TDPNI Consultation” in the title of any email response. If sending by post, please address to: TDPNI 2018-2028, SONI Ltd, 12 Manse Road, Belfast, BT6 9RT.

You can view an online version of the TDPNI and associated documents here.