Gas Extension Would Boost Local Economy
01 June 2009
Representatives from Phoenix Natural Gas, were recently invited to parliament buildings at Stormont by the All-Party Energy Group to outline how the natural gas network could be extended throughout the North.
Rolling out the natural gas network to new areas would bring with it significant economic, environmental and social benefits including the potential to add around 1,000 new jobs to the local construction and service industries.
SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell, Chairman of the All-Party Energy Group, hosted the briefing and reflected:
"Why should people in other areas throughout the North not be able to enjoy the benefits of natural gas and have fuel choice like those in Greater Belfast and the North West? Also of course in tough economic times such an investment by a private company would give a much needed boost to the economy".
Peter Dixon, Group Chief Executive of Phoenix Natural Gas, said he hoped the briefing had helped public representatives fully understand the benefits and opportunities involved and commented:
"Natural gas will deliver real enterprise and economic value to these new proposed areas. In Greater Belfast the vast majority of Housing Executive homes have connected to natural gas, almost all new build properties, nearly every large business and over 60% of smaller businesses".
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, who oversee energy policy here, are currently assessing the opportunities around extending natural gas to new areas.
Pic: DUP MLA Simon Hamilton and SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell discuss the gas network extension options with Phoenix CEO Peter Dixon.