Advisory Council has key investment role to play

Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson today said the Advisory Council on Infrastructure Investment had an important role to play in informing key decisions on infrastructure investment.

The Council will advise the government on strategy and policy on developing and procuring investment in renewing public service infrastructure.

It will also provide the means for key stakeholders to influence and develop best practice in regard to Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy development and procurement.

Speaking at the Council’s inaugural meeting, Mr Pearson said: “This Council offers the opportunity for a wide range of key stakeholders to advise on how we should develop our strategies and policies for the very substantial investment we are planning for our infrastructure.

“Working together, I am sure that we can make a real difference to the huge infrastructure deficit problems- estimated at £6bn- that we face in Northern Ireland.

“We must bring our infrastructure into the 21st century and make it competitive against other advanced EU states."

The Advisory Council is made up of an independent Chair, John Keanie, and four independent members, along with representatives from local political parties, with places for social partners from the local business organisations, voluntary and community sectors and the Equality Commission.

The trade unions are also currently considering an invitation from the Minister to join the Council.

(MB)