The CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards have returned for 2008 and, for the first time, were launched at Stormont Buildings in Belfast.

The move was in recognition of the industry’s role in the regeneration of Northern Ireland with its flourishing skyline.

Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Jeffrey Donaldson joined Ciarán Fox of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and Gerry Gray of Felix O’Hare, double winner from last year’s Awards, to announce the 2008 Call for Entries. The Awards celebrate and showcase the leading examples of excellence in construction.

Ciarán Fox, who is directing the awards said: "The Executive has committed in the Investment Strategy to bring Northern Ireland’s infrastructure up to world class standards. It is the construction industry that delivers this work on the ground – the schools, hospitals, roads and water networks as well as the residential and commercial developments. The Construction Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the companies that are achieving these standards and raising the bar."

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Since the inaugural CEF Construction Excellence Awards in 1999 the competition has grown in size and stature. It now attracts entries from construction companies of all sizes and based in every corner of Northern Ireland. The Awards feature a diverse range of projects from multi million pound civil engineering jobs to local community centres.

Gerry Gray, Managing Director of Felix O’Hare, who won both the Education Infrastructure and Health Infrastructure Awards in 2007 said: "Our double win last year was extremely important to us. To be recognised in the most widely respected and grandest construction industry event of the year is a great honour for any company."

Mr Fox of CEF added: "We are delighted to have the support of the OFMDFM Ministers to reward those companies who are breathing new life into the Northern Ireland skyline and delivering tangible benefits for society."

Shortlisted finalists for the 14 main award categories will be announced on 3 September with the Awards ceremony being held in The Culloden Hotel on Thursday 9 October. For further details on the awards contact Ruth Moorhead ([email protected]) or Joelene Poole ([email protected]) from Construction Employers Federation on 028 9087 7143.

(NS)