Pipeline progress welcomed

Councillor Cunningham said: “Although there are no immediate plans to extend the pipeline further into Moyle, the company have stated at a meeting in Bushmills on Tuesday morning that they will look for opportunities to develop their natural gas network even further have agreed to keep an open mind to the potential market available in Ballycastle and the Glens.

“Primarily the new pipeline will allow Bushmills Distillery to convert and take advantage of the significant financial savings and environmental benefits provided by natural gas. But in addition to that it will also allow existing homes and businesses along the route of the pipeline in Bushmills to connect to the natural gas which currently gives savings of around 30% against home heating oil.

“Fuel poverty is a major problem in the Moyle area, with many households unable to properly heat their home. It is therefore vital that any cost savings or efficiencies of a natural gas supply are available to as many properties as possible.”