A major pilot scheme is to begin in Banbridge and Craigavon to introduce more energy saving LED street lighting.

Up to 20,000 lights will be installed at a cost of some £6 million capital funding with work expected to start by the summer.

Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy said: "In these financially challenging times, it is important that every effort is made to make savings and reduce costs without impacting on the public.

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"Street lighting energy and maintenance costs are very significant, costing in excess of £13million every year for my Department. Over the last number of years, small pockets of LED street lighting have been introduced across Northern Ireland, such as the recent installation on the Knock dual carriageway."

(CD/MH)