Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, has praised the local construction industry's continued commitment to quality as he revealed the shortlisted finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2009.

The competition, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, received a record number of entries even though the industry is facing the most difficult trading conditions in a generation.

John Armstrong, Construction Employers Federation Managing Director, said: "Despite the significant downturn and the ensuing job losses, the local construction industry has over the last year delivered some of the finest construction projects on these islands. It is heartening to witness the positive contribution the industry is making to society, our economy and our built environment.

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"Over the 10 years of the awards the judges have found it increasingly challenging to select a shortlist for each of the 14 award categories because the overall standard of construction work has improved dramatically."

This year over 100 projects were entered into the awards. In one category the judges had the almost impossible task of selecting only four finalists from 16 strong contenders.

Congratulating the finalists Mr Armstrong said: "Amongst the shortlisted finalists we have examples of great commitment to our young people through apprenticeships, of the highly skilled preservation of our built heritage and of the provision of much needed social housing."

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.

In the 2009 awards there are 14 main award categories split into four sections: Housing; General Construction; Infrastructure; and Quality Performance. There is also an Achieving Excellence in Partnering Award which is a bonus category and an Overall Award for the Most Outstanding Entry.

An event to showcase finalists is scheduled for early September and will be held in Victoria Square, Belfast.

Victoria Square, built by Farrans Gilbert-Ash (FGA), was the overall winner in 2008 and should provide the perfect setting for viewing the examples of excellence vying for the 2009 awards.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Evening in the Culloden Hotel on 8 October.

(PR/JM)