Project overview
Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for building, managing and maintaining an extensive network of gas infrastructure across the Republic of Ireland. This includes the provision of new connections for customers who have been awarded ‘capacity’ contracts to supply electricity to the national grid.
In 2026, Gas Networks Ireland completed the connection for a new power generation customer to the national gas network at Athlone power station located at Monksland Industrial Park in Co. Roscommon. This involved the installation of a 2.5km transmission pipeline and the construction of an Above Ground Installation (AGI).
A live ‘hot-tap’ was required for this project, which involved connecting the new pipeline to the existing network all while gas continued to flow uninterrupted to customers in the West of Ireland. A ‘trenchless crossing’ was also required, with approximately 240m of the new pipeline laid under Cross River, the Dublin to Westport/Galway railway line and the M6 motorway so that it could be connected to the customer facility.
Gas forms a key part of Ireland’s current energy mix and is the backbone to the national electricity grid when it comes to ensuring continuity of power. When operational, this customers ‘peaking’ power plant will help meet peak demands for the uninterrupted supply of power to Irish households and businesses. It will also support the move towards renewable power, as these plants can flex up or down depending on the amount of power available from renewable sources at any given time.
Key Features of the project:
- 2.5km of heavy wall pipeline installed underground
- Trenchless crossing under a river, railway and motorway
- Live ‘hot-tap’ to connect the new pipeline to the existing network
- New AGI with pressure reduction, metering and filtering
Managed and supervised by Gas Networks Ireland, Fingleton White were the lead designers on this project, with Murphy completing the construction works and National Gas (UK) engaged as specialist subcontractors for the hot-tap works.
This project forms part of Gas Network Ireland’s strategic infrastructure plan, helping to ensure we are meeting the country’s growing energy needs, while also supporting the transition to renewable power.
Environment and planning
This project was granted a Section 39A Consent (“Consent”) from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on 18 March, 2025.
The construction phase is undertaken in accordance with the conditions of this Consent, including a detailed construction environmental management plan and monitoring by an ecological clerk of works.
Upon completion, the land over which the underground pipeline is constructed will be returned to its former state in agreement with landowners.
This development was subject to appropriate assessment and a natural impact statement was submitted as part of the Section 39A application. The Consent documents including all environmental reports are available to view at: https://www.cru.ie
In the community
Last summer (2024) Gas Networks Ireland employees delivered Junior Achievement Ireland's Energize programme to 110 students at Summerhill National School (St. Joseph's) in Drum, Co. Roscommon. This programme aims to inspire students to continue with STEAM subjects at a post-primary level.
Gas Networks Ireland was also last year appointed as one of twenty new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions in Ireland. These initiatives, where community support activities occur alongside operational and pipeline work, is an example of the company's commitment to sustainable development, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Learn more