NEW ROSS will not be connected to the gas network from the Great Island Power Plant in the foreseeable future.

The Echo received confirmation of this from a spokesperson for Gaslink – the independent operator of Ireland’s natural gas network.

The source said that New Ross was evaluated for a gas connection but commented: “There are currently no plans to extend the network to the town.”

“There isn’t enough energy usage in the town to cover the costs of a pipeline,” said the spokesperson.

However, she added: “Gas Networks Ireland keeps all towns close to the gas network under review for a potential connection.”

In the week before Christmas, Gaslink announced that the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) had approved the construction of a pipeline from the network to Wexford town.

In the wake of the announcement Gaslink’s General Manager, Aidan O’Sullivan, said work could begin on the construction of the pipeline because contracts were secured for gas usage from a number of large energy users in the town.

However, the scenario for New Ross appears to be somewhat different and for the foreseeable future there will be no network to the town.

It’s expected the pipeline to Wexford town will take around 18 months to complete with work on the ground likely to begin in the summer.

Gas Networks Ireland was formerly known as Bord Gáis Networks.

“Subject to securing statutory approvals and planning permission it is expected that gas will be available to the large customers in Wexford in June 2016 and later that summer to the rest of the town,” said Mr. O’Sullivan.

The pipeline to Wexford will be 41km long and will be supplied directly from the recently completed Great Island gas pipeline.

The network in Wexford town will be around 29km long.

Various members of the former New Ross Town Council had long argued that the town should be connected to the gas network in the hope of attracting large scale industrial investment in the town.

Businesses interested in getting more information on connecting to the natural gas network are asked to contact Gas Networks Ireland Business link service on 1850-411-511 or visit www.gasnetworks.ie.