Executive 'Committed' To Construction Industry

The Northern Ireland Executive remains committed to the construction industry in the face of further declines in 2012.

This was the message from Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, as he reacted to the latest figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Sammy Wilson said: "It is very disappointing to note that the total volume of construction output in Northern Ireland in the third quarter of 2012 has fallen again reflecting the harsh economic climate being faced by our construction sector.

"I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the Executive’s total commitment to assisting, where possible, the construction industry in Northern Ireland, including the local Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are crucial for building our future.

"Collectively, government is the largest client of the industry. The Executive has allocated over £100m of public expenditure on structural maintenance alone during this financial year with a further boost following the January monitoring round for our roads infrastructure.

"I also announced this week £11.8m of funding for new housing schemes which is part of the UK Government’s 'Get Britain Building' initiative. This will provide a much needed boost to our local housing market and ultimately our construction sector."

He continued: "We have taken forward a number of measures including simplifying the tender process and working in partnership with the industry to improve prompt payment throughout the supply chain; publicising government tendering opportunities widely through a single website; and, producing procurement guidance aimed to encourage SME participation."

Sammy Wilson said the Executive was "acutely aware" of the difficulties facing the economy, particularly the construction sector.

"The £200m Economy and Jobs Initiative announced by the First and deputy First Minister is a significant amount of additional funding and will provide further much needed resources to help the construction sector over the remaining budget period."

(IT)