Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has addressed the construction industry on the challenging times ahead.

He was guest speaker at the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) / Specify Construction Excellence Awards at the Culloden Hotel, Belfast, to showcase the high standards being achieved by Northern Ireland’s Construction Industry.

The Minister congratulated the finalists on their innovation, design quality and adoption of best practice across a wide range of categories. He also paid tribute to the legacy that such high quality projects provide for current and future generations.

Mr Wilson spoke of Government’s focus on delivering value for money projects and how recent improvements to procurement practices will make government procurement opportunities more accessible for construction firms of all sizes.

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The Minister urged caution on the outcome of the forthcoming spending review and the impact budget cuts will have on the construction industry.

He said: “The precise details of the budget for the period 2011-2015 won’t be known until later this month, but the reality is that departments will not be able to sustain capital investment at the record levels of recent years.

“I have met my counterparts in Treasury to spell out the particular challenges that Northern Ireland anticipates in the face of the forthcoming financial squeeze and to lobby for the best possible settlement for us."

The Minister concluded: “Government recognises the important contribution the construction industry makes to the economy of Northern Ireland.

“However, everyone here will also be well aware of the current levels of unemployment in the industry and therefore it is more important than ever that the industry and Government continue to work together. We need to build a sustainable construction industry and ensure that high quality projects, such as those showcased here, continue to enhance the Province’s built environment."

(GK)