NATURAL GAS IN THE PIPELINE FOR LISTOWEL

LISTOWEL is to become the first town in Kerry to connect to the national gas grid in a €20 million investment announced this week that is set to support local industry and even drive domestic fuel bills down.

News of the development, first reported in The Kerryman on January 27, was officially announced on Monday by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) at Kerry Group’s plant in Tanavalla in news welcomed as a massive economic boost for Listowel industry and townspeople.

At a cost of €20 million, GNI is to pump the gas along the public roads in a ‘feeder’ main from Foynes in two distinct phases.

Already GNI is laying gas pipes under William Street, which will remain in place until the whole town gets ‘gassed-up’ as the feeder main arrives. Phase one of the project is expected to run from Mary 2017 until January 2018, with phase two – the construction of the town distribution network – expected to run from March to August 2018.

Listowel will be on the grid by the end of summer 2018, all going according to plan.

It’s thanks to Kerry Group’s needs the town is getting natural gas. GNI said the pro- ject is economically viable as a result of the plant being on board as an ‘anchor’ client.

“Local businesses and homes will be able to avail of the benefits of natural gas for the first time,” Listowel Municipal District Cathaoirleach and Fine Gael Councillor Aoife Thorton said. “This development also ensures that Kerry Ingredients, which is such a valued employer in north Kerry, can reduce its energy bills and receive a sustainable energy supply. It’s a great economic boost for the wider area. Having a gas supply like this should also make it more attractive for other businesses to establish and expand.”