Partnership working will boost construction industry - Storey

Date published: 22 February 2016

That was the message from the Finance Minister Mervyn Storey when he addressed construction professionals at the 100th meeting of the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland’s Professionals Council.

The Professionals Council, which comprises membership from 17 professional bodies, is one of the five constituent colleges within the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “Working in partnership with the construction industry, through organisations like the Professionals Council, will help to boost recovery, sustain jobs and deliver key flagship infrastructure projects.

“The Executive’s budget should give much-needed certainty to the construction industry. Future planning is key in this industry and that’s why we have delivered funding commitment for significant infrastructure projects in this year’s budget and for the four years after 2016/17. The Executive’s agreement for strategic flagship projects include the construction of the first regional mother and children’s hospital as well as building the A6 road and the Newbuildings to Strabane section of the A5 road, investment in Belfast Rapid Transport and Belfast Transport Hub.

“Infrastructure funding commitment for five years gives the construction industry certainty and shows how we in government, and in particular my Department through the Central Procurement Directorate have listened and worked with the industry to support its recovery.”

Mervyn Storey continued: “The construction sector was the most severely impacted by the economic downtown but it is now showing signs of recovery at home. I recognise the difficulties faced by the industry and realise there are still challenges ahead but working with organisations such as the Professionals Council can only benefit the industry, government and the local economy.

In conclusion the Minister said: “The Professionals Council plays a vital role in the partnership between government and the construction industry by setting direction, sharpening focus and creating alignment – matters which are at the heart of moving the construction industry forward. My Department, through the Central Procurement Directorate, will continue to listen and respond to the issues that are important to the construction disciplines.”