AQW 18309/17-22 Written question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any plans to expand the mains gas network in East Londonderry, including Portrush.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 4 May 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 4 May 2021
- Answer due by
- 19 May 2021
- Answered
- 2 August 202190 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
East Londonderry falls within the Ten Towns Licensed Network Area which is being developed by Firmus Energy. The company advises that, over the next three years, it plans to lay an additional 77.16km of new gas mains, with the aim of making natural gas available to an additional 7,681 households and businesses in the areas detailed in the table below:
| Proposed Network Build Over Three Years (2021-2023) | ||
| Network Area | Proposed Length New Mains Laid (kms) | Additional Properties Passed as a Result of New Mains Laid |
| Limavady | 13.08 | 1,421 |
| Coleraine | 49.40 | 4,652 |
| Portstewart | 14.68 | 1,608 |
| Totals | 77.16 | 7681 |
While Firmus Energy has no current plans to extend its gas network to Portrush, with sufficient gas loads, and subject to the necessary approval being granted by the Utility Regulator, the company advises that it may be able to extend its gas network to Portrush in future. However, it is not possible at present to estimate when this might happen.