Neeson hails expansion of Kilroot Power Station

12.26.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Jun 2007

East Antrim Alliance MLA Seán Neeson

East Antrim Alliance MLA Seán Neeson has welcomed news of the expansion of Kilroot Power Station and stated that it can help the local economy gain the strongest possible foothold in the all-island single electricity market. He also stated that it will provide new jobs for Carrickfergus. AES, the company who runs the power station, have announced that they are going to build phase two of the operation, which will encompass a CCGT gas-burning power station.

The Carrickfergus Councillor stated: "Having campaigned to have phase two of Kilroot power station completed for years, I strongly welcome the announcement by AES that they are finally going ahead with this project.

"Whenever Kilroot was build, only half the project was completed and this great news today signals the green light for its full completion.

"This expansion will provide an excellent opportunity for the power station to take advantage of the single electricity market, which is to be opened up in November.

"This news is also a major boost for the economy in Carrickfergus, and will provide a number of construction jobs and operational posts when the construction work is complete."

ENDS