GAS Networks Ireland and Applegreen have agreed to develop two fast-fill compressed natural gas (CNG) stations along the M7 to provide hauliers a green alternative to diesel. The stations, located in Portlaoise and Tipperary, are expected to open by the end of the year. They will join the nation's first public CNG station at Dublin Port. Seven more public CNG stations are currently in development. Ireland is among the last nations in Europe to develop a network of CNG filling stations.