Specialist engineering work taking place in Fermanagh including a series of key river crossings has been described as a “hugely significant element” of the project to bring natural gas to the western area.
David Butler, Head of Engineering with SGN Natural Gas which is responsible for the multi-million-pound energy infrastructure project, confirmed that specialist drilling work had been successfully completed recently at Maguiresbridge, Trasna Island and Colebrooke.
The work follows rigorous environmental impact assessments and approvals from the relevant statutory agencies and a lengthy process of direct engagement with key stakeholders as well as local residents, businesses and community groups.
Mr Butler said SGN Natural Gas was delighted that the river crossings had not caused any unnecessary disruption to local communities or traffic issues at the various locations: “This is another big step in connecting homes and businesses in Fermanagh to natural gas as soon as possible. ”
He added that, where possible, more complex work was carried out during traditionally quieter periods such as the school holidays to minimise potential disruption.
“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the residents and commuters in Fermanagh and beyond for their patience. We believe that the temporary inconvenience experienced will be far outweighed by the benefits to be gained with the arrival of natural gas to the area.”
Mr Butler added: “By developing the gas network we are also creating significant local employment and ultimately, once natural gas is live in the wider area, it will allow us to effectively tackle fuel poverty in the eight towns we initially serve. In addition natural gas will allow businesses to utilise a more efficient fuel source ensuring they can be more competitive in a global context whilst also reducing their carbon footprint.”
The county will also benefit from a new gas training facility planned at South West College’s Killyhevlin campus to coincide with the arrival of natural gas in Enniskillen.
Strabane was the first of the initial eight towns in the western area connected to natural gas and ground-breaking work to take the new gas pipeline across the River Mourne has enabled around 2,000 homes and businesses to have access to natural gas in the town.The new state-of-the-art gas network will service around 40,000 customers in counties Fermanagh, Derry and Tyrone.
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