Bord Gáis Networks have announced that the next phase in the Gaswest Project is about to get underway following the award of a construction contract to GMC Civil and Mechanical Engineering Ltd following a competitive tender process.

This phase of the project will bring natural gas to five Mayo towns during 2008 and 2009, namely Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Crossmolina and Knock.

The construction programmes and timing for each town are based on a number of considerations including liaison with the local authority, minimising disruption to residents and businesses and obtaining commercial connections to gas customers. Representatives of Bord Gáis Networks have met with Mayo County Council to outline the construction programme for Ballina, Crossmolina and Claremorris.

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Work on the feeder main to Crossmolina is now getting underway and it is hoped that construction crews could be mobilised in Ballina by the end of this month.

Bord Gáis Networks has already completed advance works in Ballina to co-ordinate with the planned re-surfacing works carried out by Mayo County Council in 2007 and has been liaising with the Council on bringing the gas network across the River Moy during the construction of the proposed new footbridge.

Fiona Lally, Gaswest Project Manager, confirmed the company's plans: "Bord Gáis Networks remains committed to commencing construction as soon as possible. Stringent traffic management plans will be put in place and, where possible, work will be scheduled to avoid the busy commuter peak times."

Ballina, Crossmolina and Claremorris are expected to receive gas during 2008, with Knock and Ballyhaunis connecting in 2009. GMC has also recommenced works in Castlebar and Westport.

The Gaswest Project is a €40 million, three-year development project for the West of Ireland, making natural gas available to towns along the Mayo-Galway Transmission Pipeline.

(VB/NS)