Dodds Announces Plans To Bolster Building Sector

Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has responded to calls from the Northern Ireland construction sector by releasing a package of building schemes estimated to be worth around £115m, which will be bolstered by a further injection of more than £28m.

The Minister also pledged to push forward a capital spending plan of around £9.4m, in addition to £5m increased funding towards the Department for Social Development's housing programme.

Mr Dodds said: "The construction industry has given me the message that it wants to ensure that major construction projects are delivered to the marketplace as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many of these projects could potentially have been stalled due to litigation brought against the frameworks through which they were to be delivered."

The Minister said projects scheduled to go to the market via the frameworks should now proceed on a project by project basis.

"This means that construction projects worth some £115million will now be able to proceed to tender by March 2009," he said.

These projects will cover major school and college schemes, aimed at shoring up the local construction industry.

Mr Dodds continued: "In addition I have, following the Pre Budget Report, the opportunity to accelerate £9.4m capital investment into the present year (2008-09).

"I am pleased that the Executive has agreed to my proposal that the full amount is accelerated for this year. This means that we expect total capital investment to exceed £1.5bn this year."

This is the highest ever investment in local infrastructure.

Minister Dodds said he will introduce a single e-sourcing system for procurement, which he hopes will lead to a reduction in the time and cost of bidding and streamline the procurement process.

"I have also decided to establish a Procurement Task Group under the Construction Industry Forum, to work with the industry and help all firms, including small local firms, understand public procurement requirements," said the Minister.

"In addition, I am able to announce a further £28.3m for projects that will directly benefit the construction industry.

"Furthermore, £4m will go to additional funding for schools maintenance, £2.5m for road structural maintenance and £1.8m for public transport capital works," he added.

The Minister also announced a further allocation of £5m will be made to the Department for Social Development its housing agenda.

(PR)