NATURAL gas could be on its way to east Down - one of the remaining parts of Northern Ireland so far without a network or plans to build one.
The proposals come after the Utility Regulator included plans to extend natural gas pipes into the area in its forward work programme earlier this year.
According to SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie, an application has been lodged with the regulator by Phoenix Natural Gas.
It is understood the network would take in towns such as Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle.
However, with the cost of extending the network to be met by the consumer, it will be up to the regulator to decide whether or not approving the plans would provide value for money.
Ms Ritchie said it was "very welcome news".
"I have campaigned for this extension to the gas pipeline to include east Down for a number of years," she said.
"The gas pipeline has been extended into the southern part of south Down, to Warrenpoint, and it is my hope that residents and businesses in the northern part of south Down will soon have access to the gas pipeline, with the extension into east Down to areas like Crossgar and Downpatrick. This progress would mean that it would be a realistic aim to have the gas network linked throughout south Down from the north to south of the constituency.
"Access to the gas pipeline will bring an energy/fuel choice to residents and businesses that was not previously available. It will also act as an incentive and a bulwark to existing businesses; to economic growth; to job and investment opportunities looking to locate in this area.
"In particular, the extension of this natural gas link to East Down, will have the potential to benefit existing businesses and public sector sites, such as schools, health and other public service/administration sites."
Phoenix Natural Gas - which entered Northern Ireland in 1996 - owns and operates the gas network in the greater Belfast area.
A second network covering the so-called Ten Towns area is currently being developed by Firmus Energy which is extending gas pipes from Portadown to Moy.
Earlier this year, Mutual Energy and Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) were awarded the licences to build the Gas to the West network.
It will see Strabane be connected to natural gas from as early as next year with Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Coalisland, Cookstown and Magherafelt and Derrylin to follow.
