Construction Boost As Stormont Spending Reaches New High

Spending levels across Northern Ireland government departments is set to be a third higher and to be targeted at kick-starting the local construction industry.

Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has revealed that the latest 'Forecast Outturn' returns from NI departments indicate that capital investment spend will be over 30% higher this year than in 2007-08.

Speaking during Question Time in the Assembly, the Minister indicated that this year's expected net capital investment of £1.5billion is also significantly higher than at any time in Northern Ireland's history.

Mr Dodds said: "The Executive remains committed to investing in major capital investment projects at unprecedented levels.

"This year we will spend over double what we did only five years ago," he said.

"This funding is not just investing in the future of Northern Ireland, but also helping support the construction industry during the current economic downturn," he explained.

Specifically, the DUP Minister said that some of the major transport projects that have been taken forward this year include the £90million roads' projects.

"These cover the Westlink upgrade, widening of the M2 between Sandyknowes and Greencastle and dualling on the A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley road among other works.

"It also covers some £37million on Strategic Road Improvements and £38million on Local Transport and Safety Measures," he said.

In terms of education, two major 'Public Private Partnership' projects were also completed this year already, involving £31million for the Holy Cross College Project in Strabane and £24million for the Bangor/Nendrum project.

On health, he said: "The Downe Hospital capital project has also progressed with almost £26million in investment due by the end of the year and around £19 million for Phase A of the redevelopment of the Ulster hospital.

"These are only a few of the numerous improvements being made by the Executive in our capital infrastructure to support the better delivery of public services across Northern Ireland," Minister Dodds concluded.

(BMcC/JM)