Ireland
UK
Scotland
London
Construction work to extend the gas network into East Down in Northern Ireland is to begin next year.
The Utility Regulator approved the extension of Phoenix Natural Gas' gas conveyance licence to the area.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell welcomed the decision.
Minister Bell said: "The project will commence in 2016 and is expected to make natural gas available to around 25,000 domestic properties and 2,000 small industrial and commercial businesses in the area.
"Taking natural gas to 13 further towns in Northern Ireland, including Hillsborough, Ballynahinch, Spa, Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield, Drumaness, Annahilt, Ballygowan, Castlewellan, Dromore, Newcastle and Dundrum, will bring greater choice for business and domestic energy consumers.
"As natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, extending the gas network should produce significant carbon savings. For domestic consumers, the option of gas pre-payment meters can provide real benefits to help manage energy bills."
(CD/LM)
