Northern Ireland's Finance Minister has highlighted the huge growth in capital investment overseen by the Executive.

Sammy Wilson was speaking after meeting with representatives from the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland (CIGNI).

The discussions come as the latest in a series of meetings with the construction sector, which included engagement with the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and visits to a number of local construction projects.

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Following the meeting the Minister said: "Despite the recent slowdown in private sector construction activity, the Executive spent a record £1,700m on capital investment in 2008-09, with plans for a similar level of expenditure in 2009-10.

"This is nearly 70% more than what was spent six years ago during Direct Rule."

He said the devolved administration recognised the importance of investment in infrastructure and working with the construction industry "to deliver".

"I welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives of this important sector.

"It provides me with the opportunity to discuss their concerns about the construction industry and to highlight the Stormont Government's commitment to work in partnership with the industry to deliver the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) and the recommendations set out in the Procurement Task Group Report," added the Minister.

(PR/BMcC)