Despite hard times in the beleaguered sector, there was cause for a birthday celebration this week as the Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson backed a milestone in a successful partnership between the construction industry and Government.

Speaking at an event to mark 10 years of the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland (CIFNI) he said it remains vital in the months and years ahead.

CIFNI provides a strategic interface between representatives from Government and the construction industry where matters of mutual interest are considered, with Sammy Wilson commenting: "The Construction Industry Forum has played a key role in the relationship between Government and the wider industry.

"We cannot underestimate the valuable contribution this Forum has made. The last 10 years have seen many changes both within the industry and how we, in government, procure construction contracts.

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"The dynamics of the industry and indeed government continue to change and unfortunately there will be hardship in the coming months and years ahead as the level of Government investment is reduced."

However, he also noted: "Tough decisions will have to be made as we deal with the harsh economic reality that we are all facing.

"This Forum has a lot of important and crucial work still to do. The continuation of the strong partnership that already exists and the key economic position this industry holds within the economy is fundamental as we strive to emerge from those financial difficulties.

"I would take this opportunity to thank both past and present members of CIFNI for their significant contribution and pay tribute to their commitment during the 10 years they have been together," he concluded.

Colin McCarthy, Construction Industry Group (CIG) Chairman said: "In the past 10 years CIFNI had built up a partnership between Government and the Construction Industry which has resulted in a number of tangible benefits.

"CIG look forward to further developing this partnership over the coming years and together meeting the new economic challenges facing both the Province and the Industry which plays such a vital role in the local economy," he said, noting that CIFNI is comprised of officials drawn from the Government Construction Clients Group, industry representatives drawn from colleges of the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland and Trade Union officials nominated by the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

(BMcC/GK)