The supply of natural gas to Ballinrobe by Bord Gáis is in jeopardy following the announcement this week that the works have been put ‘on hold’.
An Bord Gáis representatives Fiachra Quigley and Mark Holihan told members of the Ballinrobe electoral area committee that due to low demand from the community the project has stalled.
Mr Quigley said some businesses in Ballinrobe had expressed interest and are now accessing quotations but there has been a less than expected uptake for conversion to natural gas.
In November 2007 the decision was taken that Bord Gáis would connect gas to Ballinrobe but to date commitments from the community are below the required level.
However, Mr Quigley assured members that the project had not been shelved and was on hold while Bord Gáis representatives continued to liaise with the local community.
But despite repeated questioning by Councillor Damian Ryan, neither Mr Quigley nor Mr Holihan would outline what level of uptake had been achieved or how far below the necessary level of uptake the current figures were.
Cllr Ryan explained that Mayo County Council had put some of their road works programme for the area on hold in anticipation of the gas works commencing and he wanted to know how long the project would be on hold for.
He said the three local councillors had fought a very good case to have Ballinrobe connected to the Bord Gáis network and he wanted to know how many businesses had reneged on their commitments to transfer. He feared that this was an opportunity lost.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said he had met business people who were let down by Bord Gáis representatives who failed to turn up to scheduled meetings and others who haven’t yet been approached by the company.
However, the Bord Gáis representatives said they were confident they had canvassed the whole town. In relation to residential customers they said they don’t knock on every door as they have an expectation as to the uptake in this area.
The meeting heard that in order for Bord Gáis to proceed with the project they would have to reach a particular level of uptake and they will continue to meet with the business community on a regular basis in order to achieve this target.
