DUP MLA Simon Hamilton, Deputy Chair - All Party Energy Group, along with Peter Dixon, Chief Executive Phoenix Natural Gas, and Dr. Alasdair McDonnell MP MLA (Chair - All Party Energy Group) as they examine the potential development of natural gas infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
Industry experts from Phoenix Natural Gas who make gas available to over 265,000 homes and businesses in Greater Belfast, were invited to Stormont to outline how the natural gas network could be extended throughout Northern Ireland.
MLAs learned about the processes and licensing involved and were interested in the welcome boost any extension would bring to under pressure construction and engineering sectors with initial informed estimates indicating the potential of 1000 jobs.
SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell, Chairman of the All-Party Energy Group who co-hosted the briefing along with the DUP’s Simon Hamilton 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, “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”.
