NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots today opened the 2010 SelfBuild Show at the King's Hall, Belfast.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Poots remarked on how the event had grown over the years.

He said: "I am very impressed with the SelfBuild Show and how it has gone from strength to strength over the years since it first opened in 1997. Certainly if you are thinking of extending your house or making home improvements there is no better place to be this weekend. It is also encouraging to see so many companies displaying and giving advice on renewable energy and sustainable building products."

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In addressing the first visitors at the show, the Minister pointed out that minor works requiring planning permission, processed using the award-winning Streamlined Council Consultation scheme, are now being decided within an average of 30 working days.

It is expected that thousands of people ranging from across the building industry will visit the show which has 240 stands, exhibiting every product needed to build, extend or renovate a home.

Clive Corry, Director of SelfBuild Ireland limited and organisers of the show said: "It is very fulfilling to run an event which provides so much information for builders and renovators. It presents new ideas and technology side by side with energy saving products and traditional skills. Whilst the industry may be quiet, there are plenty of people willing and able to undertake major projects. They will get plenty of ideas and advice from this show."

(NS/BMcc)