Northern Ireland's First Minister has said almost £20bn will be spent on capital investment over the next decade.

Peter Robinson, addressing a delegation of building industry affiliates, said the local construction sector has a vital role to play in the province's economy.

Mr Robinson said the Stormont Executive would do "all in its power" to support the construction industry through the current economic crises.

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"Public sector investment is set to continue to increase over the remaining years of the Investment Strategy," he said.

"The gross capital investment planned for the next two financial years is intended to be well in the excess of £3bn.

"Planned expenditure under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland is almost £20bn over the 10 year period to 2018."

He added: "I am determined that the Northern Ireland Executive will do all in its power to reverse this trend."

The First Minister said Northern Ireland cannot capitalise on any economic recovery if there is not a healthy construction industry, with a solid skills base.

(PR/JM)