Project overview
Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for building, managing and maintaining an extensive network of gas infrastructure across the Republic of Ireland, including the provision of new connections for customers who have been awarded ‘capacity’ contracts to supply electricity.
Gas Networks Ireland has been contracted to connect a new Power Generation customer to the national gas network at Athlone power station located at Monksland Industrial Park in Co. Roscommon. This involves the installation of a 2.5km transmission pipeline and the construction of an Above Ground Installation (AGI).
A live ‘hot-tap’ will also be completed, which means connecting the new pipeline to the existing network all while gas continues to flow uninterrupted to customers in the West of Ireland.
Gas forms a key part of Ireland’s current energy mix and is the backbone to the national electricity grid when it comes to ensuring continuity of power. When operational, this customers ‘peaking’ power plant will help meet peak demands for the uninterrupted supply ofpower to Irish households and businesses. It will also support the move towards renewable power, as these plants can flex up or down depending on the amount of power available from renewable sources at any given time.
This project forms part of Gas Networks Ireland’s critical infrastructure plan, helping to ensure we are meeting the country’s growing energy needs, while also supporting the transition to renewable power.
Key Features of the project include:
- 2.5km of heavy wall pipeline installed underground
- Trenchless crossings under a river, railway and motorway
- Live ‘hot-tap’ to connect the new pipeline to the existing pipeline
- New AGI with pressure reduction, metering & filtering
Fingleton White are the lead designer on this project, while construction works will be undertaken by Murphy International Ltd and supervised by Gas Networks Ireland.
Works commenced in late April 2025 and are expected to conclude by late 2025.
We will be providing regular updates on the project via this site so please check back for more information.
Latest project update
The first stage of construction is now under way along the R446, which includes preparation of the construction compounds and pipelaying works along the public road. We are deploying appropriate traffic management measures in agreement with Roscommon County Council to maintain traffic movements and access for all residents and businesses.
The works will be completed in different stages along the pipeline route and we are working closely with the local council and schools to sequence the works in a way that minimises impact to students sitting exams this June.
We continue to provide updates to residents and businesses as construction progresses.
Construction of the Above Ground Installation is also progressing.
Environment and planning
This project was granted a Section 39A Consent (“Consent”) from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on 18 March, 2025.
The construction phase is undertaken in accordance with the conditions of this Consent, including a detailed construction environmental management plan and monitoring by an ecological clerk of works.
Upon completion, the land over which the underground pipeline is constructed will be returned to its former state in agreement with landowners.
This development was subject to appropriate assessment and a natural impact statement was submitted as part of the Section 39A application. The Consent documents including all environmental reports are available to view at: https://www.cru.ie
In the community
Last summer (2024) Gas Networks Ireland employees delivered Junior Achievement Ireland's Energize programme to 110 students at Summerhill National School (St. Joseph's) in Drum, Co. Roscommon. This programme aims to inspire students to continue with STEAM subjects at a post-primary level.
Gas Networks Ireland was also last year appointed as one of twenty new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions in Ireland. These initiatives, where community support activities occur alongside operational and pipeline work, is an example of the company's commitment to sustainable development, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Learn moreContact us
If you have a question, query or concern about this project then please contact one of our liaison officers who will be happy to help.
Our team is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm and can be reached by email or phone.
E: businesslink@gasnetworks.ie
T: 1800 411 511 (toll free)
Please also check the ‘project updates’ section of this site for information.
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