NI Firms Bid For Southern Road Schemes

Twenty four companies have been assisted by Invest NI to explore business opportunities resulting from major investment in the Republic of Ireland on road infrastructure and recycling projects.

The companies were showcased by Invest NI at the Civilex/Road Expo Ireland exhibition and the Resource and Recover Environmental event at the RDS in Dublin last month.

Products and services from nine companies were highlighted on an Invest NI information stand at Civilex/Road Expo Ireland, and a further 15 took part on the Invest NI stand at Resource and Recover 2009.

Endorsed by both the Republic of Ireland's National Roads Authority (NRA) and Engineers Ireland, Road Expo Ireland was focused on the road developments. Civilex showcased the latest developments in civil engineering and construction. Resource and Recover was co-located with it at the RDS.

Alan Hingston, Invest NI Trade Director, commenting on both events, said: "The Irish government's programme for infrastructure investment has been less directly affected by the downturn. In 2008, alone around £2bn was committed to investment in transport, and the recent budget update shows that this level of public expenditure on roads and other developments is likely to continue.

"The Irish National Development Plan 2007-2013 is the largest and most ambitious investment programme ever proposed and will build on, and consolidate, expenditure on the previous plan. It provides for around £20bn investment in economic infrastructure.

"This all adds up to substantial opportunities for Northern Ireland companies, both large and small, in civil engineering, construction and building supplies.

"Our trade visit, which was supported with a consultancy service and an information stand, allowed companies to profile themselves effectively for the purpose of targeting specifiers and engineers.

"The Resource and Recover exhibition was a rebranding of the longstanding Irish Water Waste and Environment and Irish Recycling and Waste Management Exhibitions. We have been taking companies to this environmental show over many years and a number have developed good business in Ireland and beyond from their participation," he added.

The Invest NI group was among 200 exhibitors at the event which attracted upwards of 3,000 trade visitors. The event included a programme of seminars given by experts on European environmental legislation and trends.

(PR/JM)