Gas Networks Ireland has announced a €50 million investment to upgrade its Southern area transmission network, described as an essential project to prevent future capacity constraints and safeguard energy supply across Cork and the broader southern region. Construction began earlier this month and the additional capacity is due to come on stream next winter.

RTÉ reported that the investment involves separating the gas transmission network between the Dublin-Galway-Limerick and Dublin-Cork routes, and upgrading the pipeline from Gormanstown in Co Meath to Goatlisland in Co Limerick to operate at its full design pressure of 85 bar, compared to its current 70 bar, delivering a 20 per cent improvement in capacity.

David Kelly, chief executive of Gas Networks Ireland, said the project represents a critical investment in the network at a time when energy supply and security is a significant issue for the Irish economy, and that without it the company runs the risk of future capacity constraints in the Southern area, making it a priority national project.

Brian Sheehan, director of assets and infrastructure at Gas Networks Ireland, said the project is being expedited to prevent a situation where energy could be curtailed in the south of the country in the event of an extreme weather event, and that while counties along the pipeline route will directly benefit, the reinforcement will also prevent capacity issues elsewhere in the network.

The upgrade will support Gas Networks Ireland's ability to connect new flexible gas-fired power generation and new commercial customers in the southern region. Construction works are contained within existing Gas Networks Ireland site locations in Dublin and Limerick, and will be delivered in conjunction with construction partner Murphy.

Access the full report on Gas Networks Ireland's €50 million network investment.