SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed news that the DETI Minister has outlined a timetable for the extension of the proposed gas network to the west but said any upgrade must be done on the basis of addressing fuel poverty.

Mr Byrne questioned the minister on the floor of the Assembly on the matter this week.

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He said: "I welcome the fact that the DETI Minister outlined a timetable to bring gas to the towns of Strabane and Omagh by 2015.

"I further questioned the minister on how the newly proposed gas storage chamber at Larne Lough could be used and what contribution that gas will have on western counties in a bid to tackle fuel poverty.

"At long last the minister put some good news for the people of Strabane and Omagh and I hope that energy supplies will be therefore more competitively priced for both homeowners and businesses."

(CD)