THE Parson’s Nose restaurant in Hillsborough has become the first commercial energy user to connect to the Phoenix Natural Gas network, as part of the company’s major extension programme into 13 new towns and villages across County Down.
The project, which commenced its build last year, will see an additional 28,000 commercial and domestic properties connected to the natural gas network, with first connections in Hillsborough set to go live next month.
Ballygowan was the first town to connect to the natural gas network in December, followed now by Hillsborough, with additional towns set to benefit from gas including Annahilt, Ballynahinch, Castlewellan, Crossgar, Downpatrick, Dromore, Drumaness, Dundrum, Newcastle, Saintfield and Spa.
Ronan Sweeney, managing director of Balloo Inns and owner of the Parson’s Nose, said: “The Parson’s Nose has recently undergone a major refurbishment incorporating a new interior design and an extended exterior dining space.
“Installing natural gas is the next chapter in the restaurant’s makeover, and we're looking forward to enjoying the many benefits it can bring to a commercial restaurant, such as instant heat and controllability of cooking temperature."
Oliver Mars, industrial & commercial sales manager at Phoenix Natural Gas, said: “We’re delighted the Parson’s Nose is the first commercial customer to connect to our network in Hillsborough.
“We commenced our town centre works in Hillsborough in early March and have completed our construction works three weeks earlier than anticipated, with minimal disruption to local residents and businesses.
“The first connections in Hillsborough are set to go live in the next few weeks and we look forward to completing the network build in this area and connecting even more commercial and domestic customers over the summer months,” he added.
