Gas Network Extension To Generate £200m

An extension of the gas network to the western parts of Northern Ireland by the Aventas Group could provide up to 40,000 new customer connections and has the potential to generate an additional £200m of economic benefits, according to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

"It will benefit local businesses as it will allow them to avail of the lower costs, convenience, and efficiency which natural gas provides," she said.

"The availability of natural gas will also help to lower manufacturing and production costs for businesses, such as the Aventas Group, thus improving their competitiveness."

The Minister made the comments following a meeting with Paul O’Brien, CEO of the Aventas Group (formally Quinn Manufacturing Group) to discuss the company’s contribution to the economic growth in the Fermanagh area.

"Going forward, my Department and Invest Northern Ireland will continue to work with the Aventas Group, to help develop the company’s operations, whilst continuing to support efforts to grow the business," Minister Foster said.

She also commented on the recent attacks on Aventas Group's offices, which were formally known as the Quinn Group. "By far, the greatest threat to retaining jobs in the Fermanagh area is the use of violence to intimidate local businesses. "Such attacks are absolutely shameful, will not be tolerated and they must end."

Paul O’Brien, CEO Aventas Group said: "I was delighted to welcome Minister Arlene Foster to Aventas Group and to update her on initiatives taken by the Group to retain jobs in the Derrylin area including recent capital investments in local plants and the success we have achieved in opening new export markets.

"The Minister’s support in having the gas line extended to Derrylin is especially encouraging as this will be a very big factor in helping us to keep our Glass products competitive in the British market.

"I welcome too the Minister’s support in calling for the continuing sabotage attacks to stop; they are the greatest single threat to jobs in the locality and to inward investment in border regions."

(IT/MH)