Gas project making steady progress across Mid Ulster

Despite the poor weather during the first few months of the year, followed by the late winter storm referred to by many as the ‘Beast from the East’, major parts of the pipeline are now in place.

The rate of progress has been further hindered by issues experienced by the principal contractor, however these have been largely rectified in recent months.

“We have completed not just a considerable length of pipeline, but we have carried out a range of river crossings such as the Blackwater and tunnelled under a number of major roads – including the A29 and the M1 motorway,” commented Paddy Larkin, CEO of Mutual Energy, who in conjunction with SGN Natural Gas, is responsible for delivering the project.

Much remains to be done however. Once the construction phase of the pipeline is completed in a safe and methodical fashion there is still considerable work to be carried out.

There will be an extensive programming of testing and commissioning to be carried out lasting several months. In addition, there is an extensive amount of above ground installation work to be carried out.

Major challenges have been overcome and with the recent better weather the project is now on track to be operational in the second quarter of next year with large customers being connected initially. Onward distribution to domestic customers in the towns can then be rolled out.

Danny O’Malley Director of SGN Natural Gas, welcomed the progress: “This is a significant project and while we are all keen for quick progress we have to ensure that work is carried out safely and that the disruption for local landowners and residents is minimised. Taking all the constraints we face into account, and given the scale of this project, what has been carried out to date is a considerable achievement. Progress going forward, however, remains subject to normal construction challenges with much depending on the weather.”

The project represents an overall investment of over £250m with a contribution of over £30m being provided by the Northern Ireland Executive. It involves the construction of approximately 220km of pipeline linking the towns to the existing network. To date over 70% of this pipeline has been constructed. Up to 40,000 domestic and business customers to be connected to natural gas.