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Newsletter Issue 6 - July 2019
Exciting new milestones ahead for our network
Project overview for NIFRS welcomed The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has received an up-to-date overview of the construction phase of the SGN Natural Gas network.
Welcome to Issue 6 of the SGN Natural Gas Newsletter.
Prior to the commissioning of the Intermediate Pressure (IP) pipeline, Dominic Scullion, SHE Manager with SGN Natural Gas, met with the NIFRS in Enniskillen and Dungannon in June to give an overview of the project. He also provided information on SGN Natural Gas emergency procedures.
We are entering an exciting new phase of our project to bring natural gas to the seven remaining towns in the western area, with some large industrial connections now imminent. A number of commercial users in the west are preparing to switch from their current energy supply to natural gas in the coming months. Significant ongoing investment in new infrastructure will enable businesses to become more efficient in increasingly competitive global markets, reducing both their energy costs and carbon footprint.
Dominic explained: “Our aim was to discuss the risks associated with natural gas so personnel are better equipped to deal with any scenarios which may arise in our network area, but also to work collaboratively as the network develops in the years ahead.”
SGN Natural Gas is looking forward to thousands of homes and businesses within our network area having access to natural gas for the first time. Our project team and contractors are working assiduously to ensure that the many benefits of natural gas become a reality for the local communities who live and work in the main towns within our new Licence area.
Enniskillen NIFRS personnel attending the SGN Natural Gas presentation.
“Some NIFRS personnel had operational experience working with natural gas while previously stationed in other areas of Northern Ireland. As a result of our direct engagement, they were able to share their experiences with myself and the rest of the team, which was very beneficial.”
SGN Natural Gas is also delighted to have actively supported a number of very worthwhile community projects, festivals and events. These initiatives included sponsoring local angling and beekeeping groups through to arranging various family fun days which could be accessed by all local residents.
The presentation included an overview and discussion on the NI natural gas network; recognising physical gas features (meter boxes, kiosks above and underground, gas main marker posts); physical properties of natural gas; emergency incident types; and emergency response protocols. SGN Natural Gas plan to follow up with further sessions for NIFRS support stations in the coming months.
We are committed to ongoing positive community engagement and we continue to look forward to marking significant new milestones as we deliver natural gas – the cleaner, greener, most cost efficient and convenient energy option – to many more consumers in the western region in the very near future.
Danny O’Malley Director, SGN Natural Gas
Enniskillen NIFRS personnel with Dominic Scullion, SHE Manager, SGN Natural Gas. Included is Podge McKeon, District Commander (second left).
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SGN Natural Gas supports Co Fermanagh fishing festival
SHE Manager’s marathon effort for Cancer Focus NI SGN Natural Gas Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Manager Dominic Scullion, put his best foot forward in aid of charity when he ran the recent Belfast Marathon for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Dominic, who completed his first full marathon in an impressive 3:52:28, raised almost £1,500 in donations for Cancer Focus which supports patients and families affected by cancer. Having upped his training after running the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon last year which was sponsored by SGN Natural Gas, Dominic was happy with his finishing time in the full marathon. “I was a little surprised how difficult it was,” said Dominic, who admitted he would like to do another marathon, albeit training for the 26.2 mile challenge is a “big commitment”. He explained: “It was just something at the back of my mind for a while and this was the first opportunity I was able to dedicate the time with the training.”
Prizewinners at the Roslea Lakes Festival organised by Erne Anglers.
SGN Natural Gas has been thanked for supporting a popular annual fishing festival in Co. Fermanagh, one of three counties within its network area in the west of Northern Ireland. Roslea Lakes Festival organised by Erne Anglers, attracted a record 34 anglers who turned out to fish on the Clones Erne East developed lakes – Kilyfole, Inver, Drumacritten, Lyons and Gavin’s. Marathon success for Dominic Scullion.
The 2019 winner was Aaron Hutchman whose cumulative weight of 17.350kg of roach from Inver on both days secured him the top prize. Club officials Gus Greaves (Secretary) and Jack Tisdall (Treasurer) thanked SGN Natural Gas, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and DAERA for their support.
“I was able to go for jogs at lunchtime – there are showers in the SGN Natural Gas office which is helpful – and there were a lot of early morning runs and late dinners.” Dominic’s wife Una and daughters Rosie (5) and Cliona (18 months) were in Belfast to cheer him on together with his mum Philomena and other relatives and friends.
Winner Aaron Hutchman and club secretary Gus Greaves.
Mr Greaves said: “The Club were delighted with the record turnout and we are grateful to SGN Natural Gas for supporting the event this year, coinciding with the arrival of natural gas in Co. Fermanagh in 2019.”
Admitting that crossing the finish line “felt great” despite a few battered and bruised toenails, Dominic said: “It was great to see all the support around Belfast and having my family there to support me the whole way round. My wife was doing the relay event and she’s now caught the running bug too!”
Darren Young, Head of Business Development at SGN Natural Gas added: “We are thrilled to be supporting the local communities we serve in our network area. Competitive fishing in this area is revered throughout Europe and we congratulate the Erne Anglers on a very successful event.”
Dominic takes the marathon in his stride!
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Dominic thanked both SGN Natural Gas and SGN for their generous contributions, as well as the personal donations he received in achieving the total amount raised for Cancer Focus.
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‘Think CO’ workshop raises awareness of gas safety
SGN Natural Gas supporting Omagh Business Awards
Delegates from a range of key organisations within the western area, have attended a carbon monoxide awareness training event held in Omagh.
SGN Natural Gas is sponsoring one of the award categories in the 2019 Omagh Business Awards, organised by the Ulster Herald and Omagh Chamber of Commerce.
The ‘Think CO’ workshop was hosted by SGN Natural Gas, the company responsible for the development of the new natural gas mains network in Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity. The workshop offered free, local training to staff and volunteers from the public and voluntary & community sectors, as well as private companies such as home care agencies.
The Awards, launched recently in the Mellon Country Inn, aim to celebrate the dedication, commitment and success of local businesses/individuals. SGN Natural Gas is sponsoring “Excellence in the Hospitality Sector”, one of nine award categories on offer, and recipients will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in the Silverbirch Hotel on Friday, 11th October 2019. Simon Main, Gas Safe Charity; Hilary Bath, Gas Safe Charity; Lynsey Orr, SGN Natural Gas; and Dominic Scullion, SGN Natural Gas, attending the ‘Think CO’ workshop held in Omagh.
Dominic Scullion, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Manager with SGN Natural Gas, expressed thanks to all those organisations within the network area who attended the half-day interactive workshop in the Silverbirch Hotel and Business Centre. He said: “Effective use of technology helps SGN Natural Gas keep our customers safe. CO is a highly poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels including gas, oil, wood, petrol and coal. We actively encourage people on an ongoing basis to do everything they can to protect themselves from the dangers of CO poisoning.” “This includes getting your household appliances fitted and checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and fitting an audible CO alarm. We very much welcome this opportunity to host the ‘Think CO’ workshop in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity to reinforce key safety messages to a range of organisations within our network area.”
Organisers and sponsors, pictured at the official launch of the 2019 Omagh Business Awards which took place in the Mellon Country Inn.
Omagh is one of the eight key towns in the SGN Natural Gas network in the western area which will be connected to natural gas this year.
Darren Young, Head of Business Development with SGN Natural Gas, said: “We are delighted to be associated with this year’s Omagh Business Awards which further reinforces our commitment to supporting business in our network area.” Hilary Nelson, President of Omagh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Omagh Business Awards are about celebrating local businesses, employers and employees who work tirelessly to create a vibrant local economy for us all.” “We are delighted to launch a refreshed and renewed awards initiative for 2019 which offers four new categories for local businesses/people to enter from across the district. I would like to take this opportunity to thank SSE for their principal sponsorship and all of our category sponsors who have made the awards possible.”
Simon Main of the Gas Safe Charity, said: “Most people have heard of carbon monoxide, but few know its causes and symptoms or what to do if they suspect someone may be at risk. The ‘Think CO’ campaign aims to save lives by making people more aware of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially frontline staff and volunteers of trusted organisations who visit people in their own homes to provide care and support.”
Pictured at the ‘Think CO’ workshop hosted by SGN Natural Gas in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity are, back from left, Dominic Scullion, SHE Manager, SGN Natural Gas; Stephen Nicholl, Department for Communities; Hilary Bath, Gas Safe Charity; Simon Main, Gas Safe Charity; Cathal McWilliams, Environmental Health Officer, Mid Ulster District Council. Front from left: Sineád Brolly, Home Safety Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council; Raisa Donnelly, Health & Wellbeing Officer, Mid Ulster District Council; Cara Grogan and Margaret Baxter, Home Assessment Officers, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council.
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“We wish to thank SGN Natural Gas for working in partnership with us to deliver free, local training to a wide range of organisations covering the western area of Northern Ireland.” Jamie Cunningham of SGN Natural Gas, sponsor of the “Excellence in the Hospitality Sector” award, with (left to right), Donal Gormley, SSE; Colm Broderick, vice president, Omagh Chamber of Commerce; and Dominic McClements, Ulster Herald.
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Thank you for taking the time to get up to date with the SGN Natural Gas network project. If you would like to contact us about our project please don’t hesitate to get in touch Visit sgnnaturalgas.co.uk Phone: 0800 975 7774 Email: info@SGNNaturalGas.co.uk Facebook: @SGNnaturalgas