Main phase of multi-utility project for Nenagh Town to begin next week

The main phase of work on the Ervia infrastructure project in Nenagh will start next week on Kenyon Street, week commencing 23^rd May 2016. The €17 million project, one of the largest capital projects being undertaken in the state is bringing gas to the town for the first time, along with upgrading the existing water and wastewater systems. Improving the water and wastewater infrastructure will lead to reduced odour and flooding issues, along with improved water pressure and a reduction in interruptions and leakage. Delivering a natural gas connection will also provide a major boost to the town’s economy. As Nenagh town competes with other towns around the country for investment and jobs, the availability of natural gas in the town will significantly strengthen its attractiveness for foreign direct investment and industries.

Ervia is the company responsible for delivering gas, water and wastewater infrastructure and services in Ireland via its subsidiaries Gas Networks Ireland and Irish Water respectively. This phase of the project involves upgrading the waste water system in the centre of Nenagh as well as the continued construction of gas and water mains throughout the town centre. It also involves constructing gas mains on the outskirts of the town. The project is expected to be complete by early summer 2017.

For the majority of streets where work will take place in Nenagh, the wastewater renewal works are required to take place before the gas and water mains are installed. Sections of a street will be closed at a time to minimise disruption to an entire street and pedestrian access to shops and residences will be maintained at all times.

Programme of works in the Town Centre

It is proposed that the waste water works will take place in the following sequence:

• Kenyon Street
• Pearse Street
• Kickham Street
• Friar Street
• Abbey Street
• Martyr’s Road
• Stafford Street
• Dublin Road

These streets will need to be revisited for road reconstruction works in 2017 following completion of waste water works and when the gas and water main works are complete.

In order to alleviate traffic flow constraints along Kenyon Street, works have been subdivided into 3 sections /zones along this route. These are as follows:

• Tyone junction to Stafford Street junction from the 23^rd May to the 17^thJune.
• Stafford Street junction to Kenyon Street Car Park from the 13^th June to 8^th July.
• Kenyon Street Car Park to Mitchel Street junction from the 4^th July to 12^th August.

The initial phase of this project, which is now complete, involved extending the gas network from Limerick to Nenagh, together with constructing gas pipelines and upgrading the water supply network on the outskirts of Nenagh town. Undertaking the gas, water and wastewater works at the same time as one project seeks to reduce construction costs, reduce disruption to local businesses and residents as well as delivering a more efficient project overall. The overall project consists of 40km of gas pipelines, 4km of water mains and 1.5km of waste water mains.

Gas Networks Ireland and Irish Water are continuing to engage with local stakeholders. Brendan McDermott, Construction Manager explained; “We have had extensive engagement with Tipperary County Council, Nenagh Chamber and other stakeholders and will endeavour to maintain this level of collaboration.  We are informing businesses and residents along the route prior to working in their area.  Local traffic management plans will be put in place along the affected routes and every effort will be made to minimise disruption. Although there will be some unavoidable disruption in the short term, this is a project which will deliver economic and social benefits to Nenagh for many years to come.” 

Fran McFadden, Commercial Sales Manager said; “We are delighted to be investing in Nenagh town.  We’ve had a very good response from local businesses and stakeholders – there is a very strong demand for natural gas in the town.  Businesses making the switch can look forward to fuel cost savings of anywhere between 30% and 60% on their current fuel costs, together with reduced carbon emissions, no storage requirement and a constant, reliable supply of gas.”

To connect to the natural gas network or for further information on the construction project contact 1850 78 78 28 or email networksinfo@gasnetworks.ie or log on to www.gasnetworks.ie/newtowns.