27 April 2001

FARREN: CONSTRUCTION IS ABOUT MORE THAN BRICKS & MORTAR

"The construction industry means more to the future of Northern Ireland than merely bricks and mortar," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren, said tonight.

Speaking at the annual dinner of the Construction Employers’ Federation, the Minister said: "Figures show that the industry employed more than 45,000 people and was worth around £1.9 billion to the local economy last year. Those are very impressive figures, but they do not tell the whole story.

"The fact is, that the construction industry has a huge contribution to make to our future development as a society, not just in economic, but in social and environmental terms.

"Much has already been achieved - one has only to look at the changing skyline of Belfast, and indeed our other towns and cities, to see the quite astonishing changes which have taken place over the past few years. But we still need to do more.

"That is something the Executive has clearly recognised in its Programme for Government. We have given a high priority to supporting strategic infrastructure and capital renewal projects as well as encouraging the economic and physical regeneration of our towns and villages.

"However, as in all sections of industry, we need others to make things happen and I am confident that the Construction Employers’ Federation will continue to play its part in helping us build a new and inclusive Northern Ireland."

The Minister also highlighted the progress that the Federation along with the Construction Industry Training Board have made in co-operating on the provision of training in Health and Safety matters and stressed the need to continue to ensure that this vital issue remains at the forefront of the industry’s thinking.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Construction Employers’ Federation is the representative body for construction firms of all sizes in Northern Ireland. It has the aim of promoting the interests of employers in the construction industry.

Media enquiries to Simon Burrowes on 028 9025 7831 or 07799 711524.