Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has attended a conference examining innovations in modern off-site manufacturing techniques in the construction industry.

Addressing delegates at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, the Minister said: "Housing and the provision of social housing in particular are currently the focus of much debate and I made it clear on many occasions that everyone must have the opportunity to access a decent home at a price they can afford, whether they are owner-occupiers, first time buyers, social tenants, key workers or people who rent privately."

-- Advertisement --

The Minister continued: "Through Modern Methods of Construction we can achieve much greater efficiency and higher quality. The technology and ‘know-how’ exists, the challenge is for Government and industry to work together to provide the appropriate framework."

The modern methods of construction highlighted at the one day event included the manufacture of a wide range of products and individual building components. Entire factory built structures and building modules are now being constructed in a controlled environment.

The conference was organised by Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CENI), a new centre of excellence located in the School of Built Environment, University of Ulster with the support of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the National Building Council.

(JM)