Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the investment by the NI Executive into the extension of the gas network to the West.

The Mid Ulster MLA said: "This news represents a significant investment of £32.5 million into improving and updating our gas network in order to make it available in a number of areas in the West of the Province. As we are all too aware during these challenging economic times, many households and businesses are struggling to make ends meet. More efficient and cheaper energy will certainly help support those individuals and businesses in keeping costs down at a critical time.’

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"This is an issue I have maintained a particular interest in, not only because of the benefits of gas availability for the constituents of Mid Ulster but also in my role as economy spokesperson and the extensive lobbying I have received by a variety of businesses from the West. As a result I have been questioning the Minister on an on-going basis as well as raising this issue with the Utility Regulator.

"This is a major project with work due to begin in 2015 and the jobs generated within construction industry as a result will be a real bonus for that beleaguered industry. Taken alongside the recent planning permission granted for the joint training college at Desertcreat there are certainly signs of hope for the construction sector and I welcome that and call for it to be built upon through the sourcing of alternative financing during this budgetary period to fund further infrastructure projects."

(CD/GK)