The company responsible for extending the new natural gas network to Enniskillen have confirmed that traffic management plans for the construction work may involve road closures, lane closures and traffic lights being implemented in the town centre.

SGN Natural Gas announced that it will start constructing new infrastructure in Enniskillen town centre from January 7 2019 and that work could last for approximately seven months. Work is scheduled to be carried out in Anne Street, Darling Street, Church Street, High Street, The Diamond, Town Hall Street and East Bridge Street.

Head of Engineering with SGN Natural Gas, Mr. David Butler said: “In order to bring the benefits of natural gas to the area and to ensure the safety of the general public and our operatives, we have agreed with Transport NI to operate a number of traffic management plans that may involve road closures, lane closures and traffic lights being implemented.”

In a statement released to the Impartial Reporter from SGN Natural Gas, Mr. Butler stressed that any road or lane closures required in the town centre would be implemented on a phased basis and that the contractor, Kier, would endeavour to complete their work earlier to minimise disruption. SGN Natural Gas stated that any lane closures agreed with Transport NI in advance will have signage in place to direct traffic.

Mr. Butler also pointed out that work in Enniskillen will follow the suspension of SGN Natural Gas roadworks in all town centre areas to facilitate the busy Christmas trading period. Highlighting how the new energy infrastructure, which is part of a multi-million pounds investment scheme, will impact Enniskillen, SGN Natural Gas stated: “SGN Natural Gas is the first of a number of utility companies which will be developing state-of-the-art infrastructure as part of the Enniskillen Public Realm scheme designed to make the town an even more attractive place in which to live, work, visit and do business.”

SGN Natural Gas continued: “Distribution work is necessitated to allow the natural gas to flow from town gateways into individual streets where it can be accessed by homes and businesses connecting to the network in due course.”

In its statement, SGN Natural Gas also stated that it had engaged directly with local traders prior to commencing the infrastructure work and that businesses and residents on the various affected routes would be notified on an ongoing basis.