New pipeline will bring gas to Kells in 18 months

Businesses and households in Kells could be connected to the gas pipeline in as little as 18 months following an announcement that the gas network is to be extended to the north Meath town. The announcement of the extension last week has been welcomed locally as a major boost for local business and residents. The Commission for Energy (CER) Regulation announced last Thursday that Kells had been approved for a new gas pipeline. A review had been carried out on the area recently and, subject to Meath County Council approval and local business requirements, customers can expect natural gas to be available in the town in approximately 18 months. Cllr Oliver Sweeney welcomed the announcement and said he had been following the issue with interest for many years. "When gas arrived in Navan and Trim, I enquired if it would also come to Kells but, at the time, it was deemed that there was not enough industry or population in Kells to make it worthwhile. "This latest review of the area has obviously proven otherwise. This news is very welcome. I hope it will create jobs and a boost for the local economy. This will provide greater choice for householders which, in turn, could lead to lower costs," he said. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Curran, also welcomed the news as a major boost for the town of Kells and for businesses in the area. He paid tribute to Cllr Oliver Sweeney for his efforts in this regard over the past number of years. Deputy Shane McEntee said that, together with the opening of the M3 this summer, he saw the pipeline as a great boost for householders and businesses in the town. "This makes Kells a far greater prospect for future investors in the region," he said. Energy Minister Eamon Ryan also said Kells would benefit from the new gas connection. "Extending our natural gas grid to regional towns is a crucial part of our overall plans to improve Ireland's energy infrastructure," he said. "This project will mean a boost for the local economy of Kells. It will deliver employment and increased custom for local services in its construction and, in the long-term, will ensure that Kells continues to attract inward investment." Gaslink, the independent operator of Ireland's natural gas network, will extend the natural gas network to Kells, and an additional three towns in counties Cork and Tipperary, at a capital cost of approximately €15 million. This follows a detailed economic analysis based on the criteria outlined in the CER's Connection Policy of April 2006.