Work on the next phase of a multi-million pound project to bring natural gas to homes in the Armagh area is due to get underway next week.
But it will mean further delays and digging along the Newry Road in Armagh throughout the month of July.
firmus energy has written to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to inform councillors of its plans.
The company says work is due to get underway next Monday, July 3.
And it is expected to take three or four weeks to complete.
firmus says the work is necessary to progress the extension of the gas network and make it available to more people living in the Armagh and Markethill areas.
The work, however, will see the closure of one lane of traffic in the direction of Armagh.
firmus says it will be working on a 200-metre rolling length of road and will be using “directionally drilling which will significantly reduce the construction time, road excavations and inconvenience caused to the
public”.
The programme is based on work being carried out seven days a week and firmus does not envisage any “construction complications”.
firmus, in its letter to council, states: “We have engaged extensively with Transport NI, traffic police, other utility providers and we have agreed a traffic management plan for the duration of the work to minimise disruption
to residents, businesses and road users.
“This will commence with a ‘Stop & Go’ traffic management system at peak times in the morning and evening and traffic lights system at all other times.
“There is no requirement for road diversions to be put in place specifically whilst working on the Newry Road.
“This project is part of our plans to extend our natural gas network across the region allowing us to bring the cost and environmental benefits of this energy source to more homes and businesses.
“This stage of work will immediately bring gas to 373 properties whilst extending the network further to a
potential 905 properties in Armagh City and a further 1000 properties in Markethill town.
“We also plan to notify local residents, businesses and community groups of our planned construction
works and are open to engagement with anyone who has further queries before, during and after
the programme of work.
“firmus energy will continue to liaise with Transport NI and Armagh City,
Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council throughout the process.”
