About the project
This project was completed in 2025 and involved significant security upgrades at key sites in our South West Scotland Onshore System (SWSOS). Our compressor station sites in Beattock and Brighouse Bay – which together supply about 80% of Ireland’s total gas requirements – were upgraded to the highest security standards with the implementation of new and improved physical, technological and monitoring measures.
Two other critical site locations were also included in the works: Twynholm, which is our supply point to Northern Ireland; and Cluden, where our Beattock and Brighouse pipelines interconnect.
Our South West Scotland Onshore System is deemed to be the most critical in our network when it comes to Ireland’s security of supply. Therefore, the aim of the project was to bring these sites to the highest security standards as set out by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), which is the relevant governing body in the UK.
New security equipment
Working with our delivery partner, Murphy, the following equipment has since been designed, installed and commissioned across the four sites:
- 112 Security lights
- 146 Public Address and Voice Alarm (PAVA) speakers
- 170 precast concrete drawpits
- 216 CCTV cameras with video analytics
- 1,245m of perimeter intrusion detection system
- 3,610m of high security fencing and electric toppers
- 20,000m of ducting
- 150,000m of cabling
The scope of the brief also included a central station monitoring system with front end integration, intercom and electronic access system, panic alarms and intruder alarm system within the buildings backed up by an uninterruptible power supply. Several other systems have been installed, including air conditioning, UPS backup, AtEx equipment, containment networks, turnstiles, vehicle and pedestrian gates, electrically controlled sliding gates, SR3 rated windows and doors. These systems are controlled and monitored on site as well as at our central monitoring stations in Ireland (grid control) and the UK.
Working with stakeholders
The works were carefully planned and coordinated to drive efficiency across the four sites while also respecting the different requirements of each. This project involved cooperation and coordination with various stakeholders across the UK, such as local landowners, Scottish Gas Networks, Dumfries and Galloway local council and the NPSA, as well as New ERA and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in Ireland.