Phoenix Consults with Newry, Mourne and Down on Gas Extension Plans

Phoenix Consults with Newry, Mourne and Down on Gas Extension Plans

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recently welcomed Phoenix Natural Gas to present to its Council members on the Gas to East Down network extension project.

The extension project, which was granted permission by the Utility Regulator in December 2015, will involve a £58 million investment from the gas company to take natural gas to an additional 13 towns for the first time.

They are Annahilt, Ballygowan, Ballynahinch, Castlewellan, Crossgar, Downpatrick, Dromore, Drumaness, Dundrum, Hillsborough, Newcastle, Saintfield and Spa.

Construction of the pipeline began in April starting in Ballygowan, with the first customers expected to be connected to the network by the end of the year.

Network Performance Manager from Phoenix Natural Gas, Denver Wasson, commented,

“Phoenix has a proven track record in developing natural gas networks and has already constructed over 3,300 kilometres of natural gas pipelines to bring natural gas to over 330,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland. We will be using the very latest construction techniques and equipment to bring the benefits of natural gas to a further 28,000 properties across East Down for the first time.” 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane, also commented, “I am delighted that Phoenix Natural Gas has decided to extend into the Newry, Mourne and Down District as this project will give a great boost to the region. The extension can help our district to grow economically and can help to improve investment. The extension will have the potential to benefit existing businesses and public sector sites, such as schools, health and other public service sites as well as the local people of the district."

Further information on the Gas to East Down project can be found at www.phoenixnaturalgas.com.