SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed news that the Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced planning permission for the new Omagh Hospital.

Mr Byrne said the development will give confidence to both the construction industry and healthcare workers who need assurances that the full range of services will be delivered at the new hospital.

He said: "I very much welcome the announcement by the Environment Minister Alex Attwood that planning permission for the new hospital in Omagh has been granted therefore work can start at the earliest opportunity.

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"It's extremely crucial that construction starts as soon as possible given that the capital funding has been earmarked and put in place. This is a good news story for the local construction industry.

"I have recently written to the Health Minister seeking assurances on the range of services that will be included in the new hospital, in particular, it is essential that a modern mental health unit is retained in Omagh, along with other services earmarked for the hospital.

"It's vitally important that the emergency response unit and the cardiac service are central to the new hospital's range of services."

(CD/IT)