SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has welcomed news that recovery in the Northern Ireland construction industry is beginning to pick up pace, but says there must be a push towards getting major public investment schemes off the ground.

Mr McGlone, who is Chair of Stormont's All Party Group on Construction added that without major projects, such as the police and fire training college at Desertcreat in Cookstown, the industry will only continue to stutter along.

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The chair of the Stormont enterprise committee said: "Based on my knowledge and experience of planning applications I am involved with, the industry does appear to be experiencing pick up as confidence starts to build in the economy.

"However, that growth could be added to with new build schemes such as new schools projects and major projects, such as Desertcreat being given more priority and starting on site. That is essential for the industry to really get off the ground.

"The construction industry suffered tremendously during the recession. It is a key element of our rural economy and provides livelihoods for so many families in countless towns throughout Northern Ireland."

(CD/JP)