Athenry is to be considered for connection to the natural gas grid after Bord Gais Networks and Gaslink carried out a study of towns not connected to the gas network.
The study included a review of how feasible it would be to connect Galway/Mayo towns to the natural gas network. The Commission for Energy Regulation also allowed Gaslink to extend the network to 11 of these towns, including Athenry.
Prior to the roll-out of each town, a detailed analysis of the loads within the town and the revenues associated with them was carried out. The gas network has been extended to seven of these towns and work is progressing on the development of the network to Tuam.
Work is also ongoing to secure economic loads in Athenry, Knock, and Ballyhaunis prior to commencement of construction.
The news has been welcomed by Labour Galway East, Senator Lorraine Higgins.
“For business and industry, natural gas can be used for a wide range of applications, with fuel cost savings of anywhere between 30 and 60 per cent,” she said. “With reduced carbon emissions, no storage requirement and a constant, and reliable of supply, the connection to Athenry would have enormous benefits for everyone.”
