Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster Sandra Overend has welcomed the news that there have been developments in the bid to extend the gas network to the West of Northern Ireland, with the Utility Regulator launching the licence application process.
Mrs Overend, who is the Ulster Unionist Spokesperson for the Economy, said;
“I am delighted at the news that the Utility Regulator has launched the process for finding a bidder to build the pipeline to supply gas to the West, namely to the towns of Cookstown, Magherafelt, Dungannon, Coalisland, Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen and Derrylin. This is a welcome development in a process which, to date, has been prolonged and protracted.
“These developments will be a welcome boost for local businesses, with many facing financial challenges from high energy costs. There will be around £200m of investment in a new pipeline, which will allow around 40,000 new customer connections, which will purportedly generate an additional £200m of economic benefits, such as energy savings. These savings will allow companies in my constituency to invest more in their own businesses, promoting growth. It may also encourage more companies to come to the West of Northern Ireland to set up businesses.
“Again, these developments are welcome. This will offer greater choice, and encourage savings for domestic customers and businesses here. I hope work can begin in the near future.”