Measuring 31metres (102 feet) in length and weighing 36 tonnes, the methanol still for the gas processing facilities at Bellanaboy Bridge took four days to traverse the country. At times during its journey through Mayo it had to travel as slow as two miles an hour and never went at more than twenty miles per hour. Provisions for the delivery included an advance convoy to ensure road users were alerted and the load was visible. It also necessitated the removal of traffic lights and street furniture in Crossmolina and Ballina.
The methanol still was brought from Birkenhead near Liverpool by ferry and was then brought across Ireland as an "out of gauge load". Safety features included a convoy of jeeps with flashing lights in front and behind. The convoy also travelled during the night to minimise traffic disruption to other road users.
The methanol still will be one of the tallest parts of the completed gas terminal at Bellanaboy. Having been off-loaded at Bellanaboy on Friday last, it will take another three weeks of work on site before being ready to be hoisted into position.
