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02/11/2010
Builders 'Need Water Charges', Says RICS
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis.
However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collin said that the construction of hospitals and schools - which would of course boost the building sector - could be stymied if water charges are not in fact introduced.
"We welcome the document's emphasis on the need for cooperation around the (Stormont) Executive table, and on engaging positively with other parties to deliver a budget in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.
"However, it is disappointing that there is no commitment to the introduction of domestic water charging.
"We realise that this is a politically sensitive issue, but continuing to defer domestic water charging will only have a detrimental impact on the ability to spend on crucial things like schools and hospitals.
"We think that the long-term interests of NI will therefore be best served by introducing domestic water charging as soon as possible," he said.
"With regard to the measures proposed, we think there is particular merit in switching funds from the resource budget to the capital budget, given the positive economic impact of capital spending and the pressing need to invest in Northern Ireland's infrastructure for long-term competitiveness.
However, the DUP Leader and First Minister Peter Robinson received support for not imposing water charges from his political rivals, Sinn Fein.
Their spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin said: "It is welcome that the DUP have now published their proposals and I am sure the other parties will soon follow suit.
"As an initial observation on the DUP proposals I would welcome the commitment to continue to oppose water charges."
See: SF Welcomes DUP Economic Plan
(BMcC)
However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collin said that the construction of hospitals and schools - which would of course boost the building sector - could be stymied if water charges are not in fact introduced.
"We welcome the document's emphasis on the need for cooperation around the (Stormont) Executive table, and on engaging positively with other parties to deliver a budget in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.
"However, it is disappointing that there is no commitment to the introduction of domestic water charging.
"We realise that this is a politically sensitive issue, but continuing to defer domestic water charging will only have a detrimental impact on the ability to spend on crucial things like schools and hospitals.
"We think that the long-term interests of NI will therefore be best served by introducing domestic water charging as soon as possible," he said.
"With regard to the measures proposed, we think there is particular merit in switching funds from the resource budget to the capital budget, given the positive economic impact of capital spending and the pressing need to invest in Northern Ireland's infrastructure for long-term competitiveness.
However, the DUP Leader and First Minister Peter Robinson received support for not imposing water charges from his political rivals, Sinn Fein.
Their spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin said: "It is welcome that the DUP have now published their proposals and I am sure the other parties will soon follow suit.
"As an initial observation on the DUP proposals I would welcome the commitment to continue to oppose water charges."
See: SF Welcomes DUP Economic Plan
(BMcC)
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'What A Relief' As Water Rise Pegged
Businesses in NI won't face huge hikes in their water rates after the Water and the Utility Regulator agreed an annual review of charges to metered customers at just 4% more for combined water and sewerage services. Non-domestic unmeasured customers will pay 3.5% more, despite retail price inflation running currently at around 5.3%.
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NI Cuts 'Can Be Delayed', Says PM
The new PM David Cameron has confirmed that the NI Assembly can make its own mind up about when to implement impending financial cutbacks. Although he made clear that NI would have to shoulder its share of UK-wide cuts and said, "the longer the debt was left, the worse the problem becomes" it is now clear the cuts could be deferred for a year.
02 June 2011
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Glynwed Pipesystems pledge to invest further in Ireland
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Glynwed Pipesystems pledge to invest further in Ireland
Birmingham-based company Glynwed Pipesystems have announced that they are to plough more investment into their operation in Ireland following a successful expansion programme. The company hopes to build on its recent success in the province and is set to announce the completion of its contract with the Northern Ireland Water Services department.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
