Northern Ireland-based construction firms are looking south for new business.

Ten building supplies companies are being helped by the Government agency, Invest Northern Ireland to market their products and expertise in the Republic of Ireland.

The companies are taking part in an Invest NI group stand at 'Plan Expo' at the RDS in Dublin this week - the Republic's biggest exhibition for the construction and related industries.

On show on the stand will be new ideas in terms of quality products and professional services from local companies, a number of which are taking part at Plan Expo for the first time.

Plan Expo, an established and successful event for the construction industry in Ireland and further afield, enables participating companies to reach a substantial number of potential clients.

Alan Hingston, Invest NI's Trade Director, commenting on the event, said: "We recognise the serious problems currently being experienced by the construction industry in Northern Ireland particularly from the housing slowdown.

"We have already sponsored several initiatives, including a meeting last week between companies and buyers from the Saudi Bin Laden Construction Group in Jeddah, designed to help companies find new markets.

"A group of construction companies were also assisted to take part in a recent trade mission to Poland. In addition, we are considering participation in major construction industry shows in Poland and other eastern European markets in 2009.

"In 2007, Plan Expo, for example, which is supported by the Construction Industry Federation and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, attracted almost 7,000 professionals interested in new products and services," he said, noting that they are keen to encourage and assist as many companies as possible "to widen their business base by making new contacts and pinpointing opportunities in markets outside Northern Ireland".

(BMcC)