The NI Conservatives’ economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews, has criticised the Executive for “failing to tackle fundamental problems with Northern Ireland’s economy”. Mr Andrews commented as a survey by the Construction Employers Federation and PwC revealed that building firms are continuing to struggle.
“The CEF found that a fifth of construction firms here are operating at half capacity or less and 25% are struggling to survive”, Johnny explained. “Yet, the Executive still hasn’t taken some basic steps to help the situation and refuses to deal with fundamental problems with our economy. In the Autumn statement, George Osborne provided an extra £600 million for infrastructure spending in Northern Ireland, yet ministers continue to fail to spend enough of the money at their disposal. There is still not a pipeline of shovel-ready projects in place to ensure infrastructure funds are put to use immediately.”
“Improving infrastructure not only secures jobs in the short-term, it has a multiplier effect in the economy and addresses some of the most serious issues which put off potential inward investors. These include a poor road and rail network. Routes like the A6 between Belfast and Londonderry and the Sydenham Bypass urgently need upgrades, and our airports are hampered by poor connectivity. Meanwhile, high energy prices have taken a heavy toll on manufacturing jobs, while projects like the North South interconnector remain stalled. Northern Ireland needs politicians at Stormont who understand and act on the needs of business, because the current crop are failing people and costing our region jobs.”