Bord Gáis Networks has held an information evening for community and business representatives in Westport to outline specific details of the construction programme to bring natural gas to the town and the benefits of this efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly fuel for local businesses.

Members of Westport Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, Gardaí and Emergency Services were invited to attend the information evening, together with local businesses, developers and architects.

The focus of the evening was to present further details on the plans for the natural gas distribution programme in place to inform the general public of development, safety issues, traffic management and the benefits of natural gas for commercial and industrial uses. Representatives from SMC Group, the firm contracted to carry out the pipeline construction work on behalf of Bord Gáis Networks, were also on hand to address queries from various representatives.

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Work on the first phase of the €40 million Gaswest Project in Westport and Castlebar commenced in July 2007. Initial work involved the construction of feeder mains to the town from the new Mayo-Galway transmission pipeline and this is continuing on the main N5 Castlebar to Westport Road. Work on the distribution network is also taking place at present and advance works within the town has also just been completed to facilitate the Mayo County Council reinstatement programme.

Speaking about the planned works Fiona Lally, Gaswest Project manager, Bord Gáis Networks said: "During construction, we are actively communicating with the community to keep them informed about traffic restrictions and Bord Gáis Networks will make every effort to keep any disruption to a minimum. All excavations will be backfilled and all surfaces will be restored.

"Bord Gáis Networks has liaised with the relevant local authorities, organisations and residents in planning this work and their co-operation and patience is greatly appreciated."

Bord Gáis Networks expects to have first gas in Westport by March 2008. Further work to connect new natural gas customers to the network will then be rolled out during the following months.

Anyone with queries in relation to the pipeline construction should contact: 1850 427 937.

(JM)