€240m Natural Gas Infrastructure Project Nearing Completion

Bord Gáis has marked some of the major milestones in the delivery of natural gas to towns in Co. mayo for the first time with a gala launch in Westport.

Bord Gáis hosted the event - attended by local authority personnel, state agencies, contractors, customers and project staff - to extend its appreciation to all involved in the completion of the Mayo-Galway Pipeline and development of the Gaswest programme and all those who shared the vision of bringing gas to 11 towns along the route.

The €200 million Mayo-Galway pipeline was completed on schedule in 2006. The 149km pipeline extends from Cappagh South, Co. Galway to Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo.

The project employed 500 during peak construction and resulted in the discovery of 10 previously unknown archaeological sites along the route.


The Mayo-Galway pipeline feeds into Ireland’s 12,375 km natural gas network. The Gaswest Project, a €40 million, three-year development project for the West of Ireland, will make natural gas available to seven towns in Co. Mayo and four in Co. Galway along the route of the pipeline.

Natural gas is now available in both Westport and Castlebar, with work on the other towns at various stages of development.

John Barry, Networks Managing Director with Bord Gáis, said: "Today, in this environment of increasing energy prices and energy efficiency awareness, businesses and residents in Co Mayo will have a real choice and, for the first time, will be free to avail of one of the most competitively-priced, clean and convenient fuels.

"This is as a result of the shared vision, effort and dedication of those who worked to make it happen and the support of the local authorities, landowners, businesses and residents during construction."

Natural gas is the fuel of choice for over 600,000 homes and businesses throughout the country. For the first time, residents and businesses in these eleven towns can also avail of this competitively-priced, clean, convenient fuel. Bord Gáis Networks connects all gas customers to the pipeline.

The Bord Gáis Networks Connections Sales Team is active on the ground in Co. Mayo and available to advise people on the methods of converting to natural gas.

(JM)