15 April 2004

NIE begin £300k refurbishment in Ahoghill

NIE has started work on a major refurbishment programme to improve the existing electricity network in Ahoghill, Co Antrim at a cost of £300,000.

The refurbishment will see work carried out on over 80km of high voltage overhead network. The improved network will strengthen and reinforce the electricity supply in the area.

Ken McCracken, NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, said the project was part of an ongoing improvement programme for the infrastructure network in the area.

“Northern Ireland Electricity remains committed to investing in its network to ensure the best possible customer service and to ensure optimum security of supply for our customers in Ahoghill and surrounding areas.

“These essential improvements will enable this growing area to cope with increasing demand for electricity."

Mr McCracken said the area in and around Ahoghill had been affected by bad weather in recent years as well as other incidents that have caused damage to the electricity network. As a result of these incidents, NIE had brought forward investment in the electricity infrastructure, prioritised refurbishment work in the area and allocated additional expenditure.

The programme of work is scheduled to run from now until the end of the summer.

(MB)