SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has responded to news that over the next two years Northern Ireland Water will award contracts worth £250 million for construction and supplies.

Mr Dallat who has been an outspoken critic of NIW in the past met representatives of the government-owned company at Stormont this week and has urged local companies to get in touch with NIW to find out how they can tender for this lucrative work.

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He said: "Northern Ireland Water has a poor record in awarding contracts in the past and has been highly criticised not just for appalling standards of procurement procedures but also for botched fraud investigations.

"However, while I believe that an independent investigation is still needed to delve into the past I believe it is necessary to move forward and in this respect I am pleased that NIW are now engaged in the process of rebuilding confidence among potential contractors who had no faith in the company in the past.

"I would encourage any small and medium-sized business with an eye to obtaining part of this £250 million contract work to get in touch with the company to find out when open days are being organised and how they can go about getting on the list of potential contractors."

(CD)