A map showing the route of the new gas pipeline from Athlone to Ballymahon

Prelimary work starts on new Athlone to Ballymahon gas pipeline

Preliminary work has started on a section of the new gas pipeline that will run from Athlone to the Center Parcs holiday village in Ballymahon. 

The multi-million euro project is being divided into two sections. Pipe laying on the largest (21km) section from Ories, near Ballinahown, to Tang is not expected to begin until this summer. 

A second, 6km, section of the pipeline will bring it from Tang along the N55 into Ballymahon, and then along the R392 to the Center Parcs development which is scheduled to open to visitors in the summer of 2019.

Dublin-based firm Balfour Beatty CLG is carrying out the work on this 6km section of the pipeline. 

Gas Networks Ireland said site investigations were currently underway and pipe laying along the R392 is to begin next month. 

The 21km section of the pipeline went out to tender earlier this month, with bids from contractors being invited up until Wednesday, February 21.

A spokesperson for Gas Networks Ireland told the Westmeath Independent that road closures were likely when the 21km pipeline extension to Tang gets underway.

“Road closures are expected to accommodate pipe laying on some local roads. To this end, a traffic management plan and diversions will be put in place to direct traffic to alternative routes,” said the spokesperson.

“We will be following the council’s requirements in Westmeath and Longford in terms of notification to the public for all road closures and we will inform local residents and businesses in plenty of time via letter drops and information sessions.”

It was added that in a “small number of locations” the route of the gas pipeline would include privately-owned land.

“Site investigations are currently taking place to confirm the route. In the small number of locations that privately owned land is being used, Gas Networks Ireland is working with local landowners to agree wayleaves.”

Gas Networks Ireland said the development would give homes and businesses along the route an opportunity to connect to the gas network.

The company said it would engage with landowners, stakeholders, residents, businesses and relevant authorities in the area throughout the construction of the project and that consultation events would be well-publicised locally in due course.