Addressing the Professional College of the Construction Industry Group (CIGNI) at a breakfast seminar in Belfast, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA said that modernising our infrastructure is a top priority for the Executive:
“It is no coincidence that our Programme for Government is entitled ‘Building for a Better Future’ as spending on infrastructure is absolutely critical to our future development.”
Turning to Hollywood as illustration, the Minister was quick to point out that this goal could not be realised with the speed necessary if construction programmes were to be tripped up by too much red tape and energy-sapping formalities:
“I suspect that when Kevin Costner said in ‘Field of Dreams’: ‘Build it and they will come…’ he did not face the procurement, legal and planning problems that we face in Northern Ireland, but I do believe that he demonstrated the right attitude.
“What we must do, not just for the public sector but for the private sector too, is to ensure that the process is as simple and straightforward as possible to deliver the kind of infrastructure that Northern Ireland needs.
“Just as Government has a role in getting on with business, I am sure that you will agree that the industry as a whole is not served by lengthy delays caused by legal actions which do not put a single brick in place, or build a square metre of road. This is an issue which we will need to address in order to prevent delays in delivering the infrastructure the public demands.”
Mr Robinson said that £5.6billion is to be invested in the country’s infrastructure over the next three years, with a total indicative spend of at least £18billion over the next 10 years.
Key areas identified for capital investment are:
- £1billion for the road network by 2018;
- £1.4billion for water and waste water infrastructure by 2018;
- £3.5billion for schools and youth services;
- £3.5billion for health and social care by 2018; and
- £1.4billion (at least) in social and affordable housing by 2018.
Asking delegates to place this substantial programme in perspective, the Minister reminded them that in 2003/2004, capital expenditure on infrastructure was only £676million.
Mr Robinson also praised the Northern Ireland construction industry, which now employs over 75,000 people, for its key role in the local economy. He also highlighted the importance for continued cooperation between it and government, and the need to consider future generations when undertaking vital building projects.
Notes to Editors:
- The Finance Minister was speaking at a breakfast seminar for the Professional College of the Construction Industry Group (CIGNI) at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 6 December 2007.
- The Professional College plays an important influencing role within CIGNI, is an important partner in the relationship between the construction industry and government and makes a major contribution to CIFNI. It is a key participant in helping the industry to meet the challenges presented by the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI).
- The draft Investment Strategy is available at: http://www.sibni.org/investmentstrategy241007.pdf
- Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
