Menu
18/04/2007
Illegal gas plant posed "very real danger"
An illegal gas bottling facility could have wreaked havoc on the small village of Cullaville, Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) and Security Minister Paul Goggins MP has said.
During a visit to Portadown PSNI station to view the seized bulk gas containers, the Minister praised those involved in the process to dismantle the illegal operation.
He said: “Those operating this illegal gas bottling plant were only interested in making money and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of the community. This illegal facility was a disaster waiting to happen. It could have resulted in a major explosion in the middle of Cullaville, and posed a very real danger to public health and safety.
“The dismantling of this illegal plant underlines the effectiveness of a partnership approach to tackling organised crime. In this operation the PSNI were supported by HMRC, the Fire Service and the Health and Safety Executive in removing this threat from the people of Cullaville.”
The seizure on March 12 was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The PSNI seized over 3,500 illegally filled gas cylinders and bulk storage tanks containing approximately 24 tonnes of Liquid Petroleum Gas.
(JM/KMcA)
During a visit to Portadown PSNI station to view the seized bulk gas containers, the Minister praised those involved in the process to dismantle the illegal operation.
He said: “Those operating this illegal gas bottling plant were only interested in making money and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of the community. This illegal facility was a disaster waiting to happen. It could have resulted in a major explosion in the middle of Cullaville, and posed a very real danger to public health and safety.
“The dismantling of this illegal plant underlines the effectiveness of a partnership approach to tackling organised crime. In this operation the PSNI were supported by HMRC, the Fire Service and the Health and Safety Executive in removing this threat from the people of Cullaville.”
The seizure on March 12 was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The PSNI seized over 3,500 illegally filled gas cylinders and bulk storage tanks containing approximately 24 tonnes of Liquid Petroleum Gas.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2004
Two-day fuel operation leads to £13,000 fines
A two-day joint Customs and PSNI operation in the west of the province has led to the detection of 24 vehicles using illegal fuel and up to £13,000 worth of fines being handed out to drivers.
Two-day fuel operation leads to £13,000 fines
A two-day joint Customs and PSNI operation in the west of the province has led to the detection of 24 vehicles using illegal fuel and up to £13,000 worth of fines being handed out to drivers.
26 January 2023
PSNI Economic Crime Unit Donates Over £100,000 To Inspire
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Economic Crime Unit have donated over £100,000 to Inspire, an all-island charity and social enterprise, which provides recovery based mental health and addiction services in communities.
PSNI Economic Crime Unit Donates Over £100,000 To Inspire
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Economic Crime Unit have donated over £100,000 to Inspire, an all-island charity and social enterprise, which provides recovery based mental health and addiction services in communities.
18 October 2012
Gas Storage To Be Built Under Lough
A £440m gas storage facility is to be built a mile underneath Larne Lough. The development will enable 500m cubic metres of natural gas to be stored in caverns underneath the lough. The new bank will be able to hold enough gas to provide energy for Northern Ireland for sixty days.
Gas Storage To Be Built Under Lough
A £440m gas storage facility is to be built a mile underneath Larne Lough. The development will enable 500m cubic metres of natural gas to be stored in caverns underneath the lough. The new bank will be able to hold enough gas to provide energy for Northern Ireland for sixty days.
13 May 2008
Undersea Gas Storage Plan Revealed
Imaginative plans to store natural gas deep under Larne Lough look set to go ahead. If test bores carried out by two energy companies are successful, Northern Ireland Energy Holdings and Portland Gas hope to start storing gas there within a few years if their tests show the area to be suitable.
Undersea Gas Storage Plan Revealed
Imaginative plans to store natural gas deep under Larne Lough look set to go ahead. If test bores carried out by two energy companies are successful, Northern Ireland Energy Holdings and Portland Gas hope to start storing gas there within a few years if their tests show the area to be suitable.
02 November 2007
Inter-Ireland Gas Pipe Completed
Significant development of the gas industry in five major towns and cities along the route of the new inter-Ireland gas pipe is expected to follow completion of the natural gas interconnection. Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon - including Portadown and Lurgan - and Newry are all expected to benefit from the gas facility.
Inter-Ireland Gas Pipe Completed
Significant development of the gas industry in five major towns and cities along the route of the new inter-Ireland gas pipe is expected to follow completion of the natural gas interconnection. Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon - including Portadown and Lurgan - and Newry are all expected to benefit from the gas facility.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
