Having entered the local area in 2013 firmus energy has been bringing natural gas to homes and local businesses including the historic Bushmills Distillery for over eight years. The latest commitment to the local area will see firmus energy invest £2.9million in extending the network with the development of 17.4km of new pipeline.
With development underway to extend the natural gas pipeline firmus energy will introduce natural gas to an estimated 195 more homes and businesses across the region. The pipeline route passes by Damhead Primary School and construction was undertaken during school holidays to prevent interruption.
During consultation with the school and their Principal Jill Laverty, a local project was identified that firmus energy was keen to support. A Polytunnel, which was erected by the school some time ago was no longer in use and contractor Kier worked with the local Men’s Shed to make up planters using re-purposed packing timber, usually used for the delivery of Gas network components to Kier’s Northern Ireland Headquarters. The planting boxes were filled with screened topsoil enriched with organic matter.
As part of the project, school children also developed skills such as planting and growing their own vegetables and learned a range of recycling tips from Kier Environmental Manager, Jamie Edmonds.
Neil Gallagher, firmus energy’s Sustainability Manager said of the project,
“For every project we get involved in at a community level we are committed to delivering projects that enhance the local area and working with both the local school and Men’s Shed we were able to offer the opportunity for school kids to learn new skills and knowledge on sustainability.
“Collaborating with our partner Kier and the local Men’s Shed facilitated the opportunity to deliver a hands-on project that required knowledge and experience which the Men’s Shed volunteers provided”.
Ciara Magill, marketing communications specialist at firmus energy explained:
“Corporate Social Responsibility is a key commitment for the company. It is an opportunity for staff across the organisation to get involved in a range of activities and initiatives in areas that we operate in. We have a longstanding relationship with Damhead as the pupils have also been participating in our ‘Time to Read’ literary programme which aims to bridge the gap in reading skills for children up to the age of ten”.
Work on the new 17.4km pipeline from Damhead to Bushmills started in August 2021 and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2022.
To discuss how your home or business could benefit, from connecting to the natural gas network call firmus energy customer service on 0800 032 4567 or visit online at www.firmusenergy.co.uk.
Image caption: L-R - Miss Brown, Damhead Controlled Primary, pictured with Ciara Magill, firmus energy and Kier colleagues Jamie Edmonds and Micheol O’Gallcobhair alongside some of Miss Browns primary 6 pupils.