SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA has said the construction industry has a crucial part to play in helping Northern Ireland break free of the recession.

Patsy McGlone, who is the chairman of the Assembly's All-Party Group on construction, was speaking ahead of a major meeting between industry representatives, members of the All-Party Group and Executive ministers to discuss how to reinvigorate construction in the North.

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Mr McGlone said: "The construction industry has been one of the hardest hit in the recession, but remains one of our brightest hopes for recovery.

"It is an industry with a unique contribution to make to the revitalising of our local economy.

"Our group, which contains representatives from all shades of political opinion, has been working closely with representatives from the construction industry and we are confident that we have identified some key areas for growth which can be incorporated into the Executive's programme for government.

"Personally and on behalf of the group, I am looking forward to being able to discuss our ideas with ministers todayand playing our part in ensuring the North has a buoyant construction industry which can help lead us out of the grip of recession."

(CD/GK)