GLASS ACT… Quinn Glass managing director Adrian Curry
UP TO 7,000 homes and businesses across Enniskillen and Derrylin will have access to natural gas as an ambitious plan to invest £200m in gas pipeline gets underway.
The major project will see thousands of local households and businesses connected up to the gas lines which is expected to bring major savings to the county.
In a move that is thought to be the strongest sign yet for the Aventas Group’s future investment plans within Derrylin after the Utility Regulator earmarked the village as part of the major investment.
The Aventas Group has been subjected to a litany of attacks in what is believed to be a revenge campaign over concerns the company had plans to wind up parts of Fermanagh’s biggest employer, however, this has been strenuously denied by management.
Once the gas lines become available in the area, it is believed that the vast majority of the company’s plants will be connected to the lines.
Quinn Glass managing director, Adrian Curry explained that it gives the Derrylin-based plant a more competitive edge.
He said: “Quinn Glass are supportive of the decision by the Northern Ireland Assembly to bring natural gas to Co Fermanagh.
“With a significant amount of our products being shipped to England and Scotland, where our competitors use natural gas as their primary energy source, it will allow us to compete on a more even basis.”
Minister of Enterprise Trade and Investment Arlene Foster welcomed the investment but accused the attackers of trying to ‘destabilise’ the business.
“Over recent months there has been a litany of attacks aimed at the Aventas Group as part of a continuing campaign of sabotage and intimidation against the company,” she said.
“Although certain individuals are determined to use criminal activities to try and destabilise the business, their attempts are futile.
“Aventas is a major player in the Fermanagh area and they will not be intimidated. I have spoken to senior management in recent weeks and they have spoken of their determination to grow the business. I have assured the company of my full support and look forward to working with them going forward.
“The extension of the gas network to Fermanagh and Derrylin will benefit local businesses as it will allow them to avail of the lower costs, convenience, and efficiency which natural gas provides.
“It will also help to lower manufacturing and production costs for businesses, such as the Aventas Group, thus improving their competitiveness.
“Additionally, the expansion will generate employment benefits for the construction sector as work begins on the network. The new gas pipeline will also bring the benefits of natural gas to domestic consumers, as customers will be able to use pre-payment meters to help budget for their energy costs.”