The construction industry downturn has claimed its latest victim.

Creagh Concrete Products has confirmed 90 redundancies across the UK.

The firm runs branches in Ardboe, Tyrone, producing precast slabs, pre-mixed concrete, aggregate and building blocks.

A contraction in orders has meant the firm, established in 1971, will reduce its 500 strong workforce by almost a fifth.

In a statement the company said: "We have decided to give notice of the commencement of employee consultations with a view to the potential lay off of 90 of our staff and employees across the company including our operations in England and Scotland."

Tyrone assembly member Barry McElduff, who sits on an All Party Group (APG) discussing the construction industry, said: "There are a number of hurdles in the way of the construction industry and it is about tackling those issues.

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"Planning is one area were construction firms and builders say the planning service is too slow to turn around applications.

"Earlier this month, the Minister of Environment Sammy Wilson met over a dozen local companies in Omagh who had something to say to the minister with responsibility for planning.

"My party colleague Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the First Minister Peter Robinson met with the leading banks and financial institutions having listened to the construction industry.

"That is concerned with getting the mortgage market going again and to persuade the banks to be a little more flexible with the construction industry at a time of difficulty.

"Another key factor is the investment strategy. We need to see all of the government departments roll out and make real and actualise their investment strategy about the building of roads, hospitals and schools and when that takes off it will be for the good of the construction industry."

Mr McElduff said pessimistic attitudes to the current situation would not help matters.

"The construction industry is the backbone of the rural economy in Tyrone. I hear it everywhere that it is in trouble at this time and it is felt across the board.

"Therefore it is a priority for government. It is a huge challenge and there are global factors at play but we can't sit on our hands because the construction industry is so hugely important.

"It needs support and politicians need to be listening to the construction industry. They have things to say and we must listen," he added.

(PR/KMcA)