Kells to have gas line by the spring

With the tendering process for the extension of the natural gas pipeline to Kells about to begin, Bord Gais Networks says it will be consulting with local businesses and Kells Town Council over the coming weeks. Bord Gais is preparing to extend the gas pipeline to Kells from its existing network south of Virginia and it is expected the supply will be in use in Kells in the springtime. Mark Houlihan of Bord Gais confirmed this week that design work on the pipeline was currently underway and the project would go to tender shortly. He said the gas company had met the local Chamber of Commerce and was planning to consult with local businesses and council officials and elected representatives over the coming weeks. The proposal will see the network extended to the business park in Kells and then to a network around the town, serving businesses and domestic users. The extension has been welcomed locally as a major boost for local business and residents. The Commission for Energy (CER) Regulation announced last April that Kells had been approved for a new gas pipeline. A detailed economic analysis was carried out in the area, based on the criteria outlined in the CER’s Connection Policy of April 2006. The extension of the natural gas network to Kells, and an additional three towns in counties Cork and Tipperary, will involve a capital cost of approximately €15 million. Cllr Oliver Sweeney said he was delighted that the project was being progressed and he hoped work would start before Christmas. “This makes Kells a far greater prospect for future investors in the region,” he said, pointing out that many businesses won’t locate in a town unless there is a good fuel source. Cllr Sweeney 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 be a boost for the local economy. This will provide greater choice for householders which, in turn, could lead to lower costs,” he said. Kells town clerk Jarlarth Flanagan confirmed that representatives of Bord Gais would be meeting with the area and town councillors shortly to discuss the proposal and to brief them on the route of the network and the duration of construction.