Call for extension of gas pipeline as far as Tralee

The natural gas pipeline which is being brought from Foynes in Co Limerick to Listowel in Co Kerry should be extended to Tralee, a councillor has said.

And it should be available to residents at the same time as it becomes available to major industry, he said.

The €20m project by Gas Networks Ireland, announced earlier this week, means that for the first time, Co Kerry will be linked to the national gas network.

The project has been approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

However, the piped natural gas is only going as far as Listowel, Kerry’s third town, with a population of just over 4,800 people.

Tralee councillor Pa Daly said he is asking the council management to insist to Gas Networks Ireland that the pipeline from Foynes be extented a further 30km to Tralee, the county capital “and beyond”.

“Will the proposed pipe be strong enough to propel the gas an extra 30km to Tralee and beyond?” Mr Daly asked. “I have asked Kerry County Council and Gas Networks Ireland and await a response from them,” Mr Daly said.

Kerry Group’s flagship dairy hub, Kerry Ingredients plant, and the town’s biggest employer, is to be an “anchor” customer for Gas Networks Ireland. It would take a number of years for the gas to be made available to residents and other businesses, the council has said.

However, Mr Daly said while “subsidising the Kerry Group is well and good”, the gas should be available at the same time to the people of the county.