Concern around impact of gas works in Omagh town centre

TRAFFIC disruption and inconvenience for local businesses are expected in Omagh over the coming weeks as major gas pipe-laying works continue along Castle Street.

The project, led by Evolve as part of the Gas to the West initiative, began on Monday and is scheduled to continue until Sunday, May 18.

A pause will follow before similar works resume on Georges Street.

The Department for Infrastructure’s Roads Section confirmed that the installation of new gas mains has led to the closure of Castle Street from its junction with Georges Street through to Abbey Street.

Although delays are expected to be under five minutes, alternative routes have been signposted to manage traffic flow.

However, the scheme has already led to some disruption for both businesses in the area and their customers.

Valerie Robinson, who was helping her 91-year-old mother Ellen McConnell get to a hair appointment, said the works made the journey more difficult than usual.

“There was a degree of upheaval because instead of getting parked more or less outside the salon, we had to walk a distance to get there,” she said.

At the Nature Trail health shop, staff have noticed a dip in customer numbers.

“Wednesday was noticeably quieter than earlier in the week,” said shop assistant Danielle Hutchins.

“Our regulars can’t park as close as they usually would. We’re also expecting several large deliveries, so we’ve had to make alternative arrangements with suppliers to access us via Brook Street. We’ve already managed two smaller deliveries, so we’re hopeful.”

The Gas to the West scheme, launched around five years ago, is aimed at expanding natural gas infrastructure to towns west of the River Bann, including Omagh.