Council Chair impressed by Enniskillen river crossing infrastructure

Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson has welcomed the opportunity to visit a major river crossing which is currently being carried out in Enniskillen by SGN Natural Gas. 

 

The impressive large-scale works are taking place to install a natural gas pipeline across Lough Erne at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum. This river crossing is one of the largest single pieces of infrastructure development to take place in Enniskillen.

 

Access to mains gas is already available to a limited number of local properties as part of the continuing expansion of the distribution pipeline in Enniskillen. Council granted approval earlier this year for the river crossing to take the live natural gas infrastructure to the town centre and surrounding areas.

Construction activity commenced at the start of August and it will take approximately eight weeks to complete.

 

The project represents an investment of over £250million focused on offering an alternative, more efficient energy choice to consumers in eight key towns in the western area of Northern Ireland previously reliant on oil/solid fuel and helping to tackle fuel poverty.

 

Councillor Errol Thompson welcomed the opportunity to see the river crossing works which will allow the rest of the island town to avail of natural gas. He said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council welcomes further investment in the new energy infrastructure which will enable local households to avail of natural gas for their home heating requirements. It will also help to significantly reduce carbon emissions in our district and the wider network in the western area.”  

 

David Butler, Director of SGN Natural Gas, once again thanked Council and other key stakeholders including the Education Authority for their engagement to progress the works. He said: “Work is progressing well on the Lakeland Forum site, the playing fields and also on land near the Sligo Road which is privately owned. All three crossing points are critical in taking the live natural gas infrastructure to the town centre and surrounding areas.”

 

SGN Natural Gas recently asked local primary school children to submit drawings of their superheroes to make the works area at the Lakeland Forum extra special. Some of the participating children were also in attendance to see their vibrant community artwork on display.

 

The gas company presented a £500 cheque donation in recognition of the children’s efforts, to local charity MindWise, to support the Family Wellness project’s services based in Fermanagh House.

 

SGN Natural Gas is delivering one of the world’s newest networks. The project ensures there is now a clear pathway to a fully decarbonised, hydrogen-ready future for Northern Ireland.