East Antrim DUP MLA Alastair Ross has today presented his adjournment debate on extending the natural gas network to Whitehead in his constituency. Mr Ross brought this matter on to the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly following the news before Christmas that Phoenix Natural Gas would be withdrawing their application to extend the gas network. Commenting today, Mr Ross said,
“It was important to raise this matter with the House today, and it was positive to hear the commitment that the DETI Minister Arlene Foster has to make gas available to many more homes outside of the Greater Belfast area.
It was disappointing to learn through a letter from the Utility Regulator on 19 November 2009 that Phoenix had withdrawn their application to extend the natural gas line to Whitehead because the conditions of license placed upon by the regulator. Since then I have met with Phoenix representatives and also written to the Utility Regulator.
It is extremely frustrating, not least for those who could benefit from natural gas in their area, that there has been a difficulty in this application, and I sincerely hope that a resolution can be found so that constituents living in Whitehead can avail of greater choice in their energy sources.
This planned extension would benefit homeowners, tenants and businesses as well as being a cleaner and more efficient energy resource. The work involved in digging roads, laying pipes and installing the new system would also have provided much needed employment for people in the East Antrim area and beyond.
The support from political representatives from all parties represented in the constituency, the Minister and the continued commitment from Phoenix is all to be welcomed, and I hope that progress can still be made on this issue.”
