Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed a project to build a new gas pipeline for towns west of the Bann.

The Gas to the West project will serve the towns of Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, Derrylin, Dungannon, Coalisland, Cookstown and Magherafelt and will cost around £200m.

It is understood likely bidders for the project include Phoenix Gas and Firmus Energy.

Mr McGlone, who is chair of the Stormont Enterprise Committee, said: "This is good news for the many urban dwellers in the areas to be served by the project. It means homes and businesses which currently use oil would have the option to install gas, which may mean cheaper fuel bills.

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"For too long the people of these areas have been denied other heating options for their homes, which for many years have always been offered to householders in the Greater Belfast area.

"However, while it may prove to be of benefit for dwellers in towns, it is unlikely to benefit those living in rural areas because the infrastructure simply won't be in place and that as of itself may present Government with other challenges as to how energy costs may be reduced for rural dwellers."

(CD/JP)