Work Begins on Natural Gas Pipeline to Center Parcs, County Longford

23rd January 2018:  Gas Networks Ireland is pleased to announce that work to deliver natural gas to the Center Parcs site in Ballymahon, County Longford has begun.  Comprising 27km of pipeline in total, the project will be delivered in two sections.¹  

 

Section one, measuring 6kms in length, runs from Rathmore, Co Longford along the N55 into Ballymahon and then along the R392 to the Center Parcs site.  Site investigations are currently underway and pipe laying along the R392 begins in February 2018.   Section two, measuring 21kms in length, runs via regional and local roads from Ories to Tang, in County Westmeath and then along the N55 connecting to section 1 in Rathmore.  A tender process² is underway for this section with pipe laying works expected to be carried out in summer 2018.

 

The project represents a significant investment for the national natural gas system operator. Denis O’Sullivan, Head of Commercial, Gas Networks Ireland, said:   “We are delighted to have begun the process of bringing the natural gas network to Center Parcs, Co. Longford.  This development facilitates the potential future expansion of the gas network in Longford and offers local homes and businesses the opportunity to benefit from the significant cost and environmental benefits natural gas delivers.  I would like to acknowledge the decisive role played by Center Parcs in facilitating the decision to bring natural gas to the area.  Their investment in the area has created the opportunity for us to make this extension.”  

 

Gas Networks Ireland will engage with landowners, stakeholders, residents, businesses and relevant authorities in the area throughout the construction of the project and consultation events will be well-publicised locally in due course.   

 

Clare McCormack, Construction Project Manager, Gas Networks Ireland says:  “As with all Gas Networks Ireland construction projects, all local County Council requirements in relation to traffic management will be fully observed when the project is underway.  For the longer section of this project (21km) some road closures and traffic diversions may be expected, to accommodate pipe laying on some local roads. We will follow all requirements as arranged with the Westmeath and Longford County Councils in terms of notification to the public for all road closures and we will inform local residents and businesses in plenty of time, via letter drops and information sessions.”

 

Natural gas is the cleanest, most environmentally-friendly, fossil fuel producing 24% less emissions than oil and 40% less than coal. Approximately 680,000 Irish homes and businesses depend on natural gas for their energy needs. 

 

Further information on connecting to the natural gas network may be sourced on the Gas Networks Ireland website - www.gasnetworks.ie.  Interested parties may also contact Gas Networks Ireland on 1800 464 464.  All business enquiries should be directed to the Gas Networks Ireland Businesslink service which can be reached on 1800 411 511.