Business
Natural Gas Network Meeting
By Orla Gibney
9, Apr 2008 - 15:48

Call for Bord Gais to Reconsider their Decision on the Omission of  

East Mayo, Central Mayo and Ballaghadereen from the Natural Gas Network

On Tuesday, 1^st April 2008, a meeting was held in Swinford, Co Mayo to discuss the urgent need for towns in East Mayo, Central Mayo and Ballaghadereen to be connected to the new gas network that is being rolled out in other West of Ireland towns by Bord Gais. The meeting was addressed by Ballinrobe businessman, Mr Des Maye, who was instrumental in successfully making a case to Bord Gais to bring natural gas to Ballinrobe. Mr Maye explained that Ballinrobe was at first excluded from Bord Gais plans but once they proved the figure for energy consumption in the town Bord Gais took their case into consideration and approved their membership into the scheme. The meeting concluded with the formation of a committee of representatives from Foxford, Kiltimagh, Swinford, Charlestown, Ballaghadereen, Kilkelly and Ireland West Airport Knock.

Through hearing of the Ballinrobe case study, the committee have agreed to conduct their own feasibility study of the amount of energy used by businesses in each individual town. In the next two weeks the committee will conduct surveys among businesses in East Mayo, Central Mayo and Ballaghadereen to enable them to produce a report of concrete evidence that there would be economic viability of a Gas connection in these regions.

Commenting at the meeting a spokesperson from the committee said "The provision for Gas in these areas is a vital infrastructure for the future need of these East and Central Mayo towns in attracting industry to them.  These towns hold the potential for major economic growth and development if the right infrastructure is put in place. Ballaghadereen is high energy user if natural gas was connected to this town then many of the towns in East Mayo could link into it. We would call on all businesses in East and Central Mayo and Ballaghadereen to give the committee their full support as they carry out their feasibility report"

 The next meeting will be held on April 14^th when the committee will regroup with their findings from the surveys they carried out in each town to develop a complete report for Bord Gais.