Minister welcomes first meeting of Investment Board

Economic Policy and Finance Minister, Ian Pearson has welcomed the first meeting of the initial board of the Strategic Investment Board, the company set up to accelerate infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland.

Commenting before the Board met today in Stormont Castle, Mr Pearson said: “The Directors have all been selected for their specific expertise in this field. I am confident that they will become a key driving force for improving investment in Northern Ireland’s schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure. It is appropriate that as we mark the first anniversary of the unveiling of the RRI we take what is another step forward in fulfilling the aims that were identified then by the Prime Minister, Chancellor and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.”

The agenda for the first board meeting focussed mainly on establishment of the new company and how it will operate, although the Directors were also keen to underline its core project development principles.

Speaking after the meeting of the Board, Chairman Tony Watson said: “Our key focus will be on project delivery. That is how we will be judged. The new Invest NI HQ building project announced last week is the first of a stream of well planned and commercially sound PPP investments to be offered to the market. We want the people of Northern Ireland to be seen to be getting a much better return on the capital invested in the projects.

“As a Northern Ireland man myself I am particularly delighted to have been given this opportunity to play a part in improving the infrastructure and services that will be available for people here,” he added.

(MB)