Gas Networks Ireland has announced that Galway City, Oranmore, Salthill and Claregalway are safe to resume using gas.
A statement from Gas Networks Ireland reads: “Customers in these specific areas may now turn gas on at the meter and return to normal use. Customers should ensure all appliances are switched off prior to turning your gas supply on. Further instructions on how to do this are available HERE.”
Towns which remain affected are Tuam, Headford, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Castlebar, Westport, Crossmolina and Ballina. They may be without a supply until Sunday.
Gort, Loughrea, Craughwell and Ballinasloe – whose gas supply was uninterrupted throughout – remain unaffected by this issue and may continue to use gas.
“Gas Networks Ireland crews continue to work on the remaining affected areas to remove the odourless gas from the network. Our primary objective is to restore gas to all affected customers in the Galway and Mayo regions as quickly as possible, while ensuring at all times that safety is our first priority.
New information in relation to the resumption of gas to other “affected areas, as the result of this incident, will be advised as soon as they become available. Customers with any concerns may contact our Customer Care line on 1850 200 694. Customers who suspect a gas leak or smell gas in any part of the country should always call our 24 hour emergency line on 1850 20 50 50.
“Gas Networks Ireland crews have been working throughout the day to remove the odourless gas from the network. Testing is continuing at installations throughout the region to monitor odour levels as they return to normal.
“Our primary objective is to restore gas to all affected customers in the region as quickly as possible, while ensuring at all times that safety is our first priority.
“The process of restoring all customers is likely to take most of the weekend, however supply will be restored on a phased basis, as odour levels return along the network,” the statement reads.
An internal investigation is underway as crews work to resolve a major safety issue on the natural gas network serving Galway and Mayo.
Shell E&P Ireland insists all operations at the Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal – where the issue arose yesterday – continue to operate safely.
Fine Gael TD for Mayo and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has called for an investigation into how odourless gas from the Corrib field was allowed to enter the network which delivers gas to homes in Mayo and Galway.
“I am extremely concerned that odourless gas was allowed to enter into the network which provides gas to almost 10,000 homes in Mayo and Galway. There has clearly been a serious failure in the system.
“I am aware that the EPA is engaged with Gas Networks Ireland and the priority is that this situation is resolved safely and with minimal inconvenience to customers. However, we also need answers on how this was allowed to happen and we need them without delay.
“We were given guarantees that this type of thing couldn’t happen. Companies that sell potentially dangerous energy products to our consumers have an obligation to ensure that there is no risk to the customer. The fact that this has not happened is of the utmost concern.”
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