NEW FUEL ERA FOR KERRY AS GAS FLOWS

BUSINESSES in Listowel switching to natural gas are set to see fuel bills reduced by up to 60 per cent in some cases, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) said last week as it officially rolled out its plans to extend the national gas grid into the county for the first time.

41km of gas ‘feeder main’ is being laid from the nearest grid connection outside Foynes into Listowel in the first phase of the €20million project.

The project was initiated to supply gas to the Kerry Ingredients plant in Listowel in a move that would support existing jobs. But the second phase of the project will see homeowners and locals businesses in three locations along the pipe - Ballyhahill, Moyvane and Listowel –given the opportunity to connect to gas.

Former Government minister Jimmy Deenihan, who initiated the talks between the then Bord Gáis (now GNI) and Kerry Group that resulted in the delivery of the grid to Kerry, welcomed the project.

He said he was moved to investigate the possibility of the gas after officiating at the launch of a new infant milk formula line at Kerry Group’s plant in Charleville in 2014.

“Charleville was chosen for the infant formula manufacturing as it had a gas supply. If Listowel had had a gas supply then the formula could have been made here,” Mr Deenihan told The Kerryman this week.

“The news of the rollout is very welcome as it is so important to do everything possible to retain jobs at Kerry Ingredients. It’s going to be very important for the sustainability of the plant, by seriously reducing the fuel bill.”

Commercial Sales Manager at Gas Networks Ireland Fran McFadden suggested the fuel could help not just industry but local businesses to seriously reduce fuel overheads: “Businesses making the switch can look forward to fuel cost savings of anywhere between 30 and 60 per cent on their current fuel bills, together with reduced carbon emissions, no storage requirement and a constant, reliable supply of natural gas.”

She said GNI has received strong interest locally already. “Initial feedback from residents and businesses in the town is showing that there will be a strong demand for natural gas,” Ms McFadden added.

Cathaoirleach of Listowel Municipal District authority and Fine Gael Councillor Aoife Thornton is urging everyone in Moyvane and Listowel to attend the forthcoming information event GNI is hosting at the Listowel Arms on May 23 to discuss the route further. Cllr Thornton said it is vital the company would be left in no uncertainty as to the breadth of demand for the cheaper fuel at the event.