The natural gas network in Northern Ireland is to be extended, it was announced today.
The North's energy regulator, Ofreg, has granted two licences to Bord Gáis, the Irish state gas distributor and supplier.
Bord Gáis has committed to extend gas to at least 10 towns and 65,000 properties by 2018.
The new licences are for the conveyance and supply of gas in areas along the route of the North West and South North pipelines.
It will mean gas becoming available in Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Derry, as well as Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon - including Portadown and Lurgan - and Newry.
Both pipelines are being constructed by Bord Gáis, and the North South pipeline will link Northern Ireland into the Republic network for the first time.
Within the next five years Bord Gáis will bring forward further plans for the development of as many other new towns and areas covered by the licences as is viable.
Bord Gáis saw off Phoenix Natural Gas, which has been developing the gas network in the Greater Belfast area, for the new licences.