09/02/2004

RRI on track to improve NI infrastructure says Minister

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng has today underlined the significance of the government’s Re-investment & Reform Initiative (RRI) in boosting Northern Ireland’s local infrastructure.

Speaking during a visit to Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast, where two new surgical theatres have opened following a £3.83 million investment, Mr Boateng emphasised the growing importance of RRI in continuing to reform and build modern, public services across the province.

“RRI presents an unique opportunity for a very substantial infrastructure investment programme," he said.

"Projects within the Strategic Investment Programme total more than £2.7 billion, with planned expenditure on hospitals and health services, in school buildings, in roads, in water systems, and in transport and communications.

“The Reinvestment & Reform Initiative is very clear evidence of the UK government’s commitment to improving the outcomes from public services, to the real benefit of the people of Northern Ireland."

Commenting on pressure locally for more money from the Treasury, or for a review of the Barnett Formula, the Chief Secretary said: “We need to remember that Northern Ireland has the highest public expenditure of any region in the UK.

“The Reinvestment & Reform Initiative will allow investment to proceed over and above the main Budget, but it’s only fair to ask households in Northern Ireland to make a reasonable contribution to reinvestment – whether in health, education, transport, or through new water charges – to the cost of making that service better.

“This marks a step change in the pace of investment in Northern Ireland’s key public services and creates a new means to plan for, procure and finance key infrastructure and services, to address Northern Ireland’s most acute needs," he added.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 May 2014
107 Jobs Created By Financial Firm
107 new jobs are to be created as part of an £8m investment by a Belfast-based financial services group. Spence & Partners are to create the new jobs over five years through an £8m investment in the local economy.
10 December 2013
192 Jobs Announced At Fujitsu, L'Derry
192 jobs are to be created at Fujitsu’s Business Services Centre at Timber Quay in L'Derry. The jobs, including 177 full-time permanent positions and 15 business apprenticeships, are being supported by funding from Invest NI of over £990,000. The move follows a visit to Japan by the First and deputy First Minister this month.
27 June 2002
300 new jobs bound for Belfast
The Regus Group, a multi-national organisation and leading global operator of business centres, is to open the first multi-lingual shared services development in Northern Ireland. The Group is to invest £4.4 million and create 295 new jobs in the first inward investment project of its kind in Northern Ireland.
27 February 2018
IT Professional Services Firm To Create 60 New Jobs In Belfast
An IT professional services firm is to create 60 new jobs in Belfast. Ammeon Limited is establishing a Service Delivery Centre in the city and the jobs roles include financial services, telecommunications, automotive, transportation and government organisations.
26 November 2002
Vacant security bases to undergo regeneration
Direct rule minister Ian Pearson has published plans that will see the regeneration of security force bases vacated as part of the normalisation process. The draft Order sets out how a Strategic Investment Board would develop Northern Ireland's infrastructure in a way that makes best use of the means and resources available.