There was a further fall in Northern Ireland's construction sector output during the first quarter of this year, new government figures have revealed.

Output dipped by 1.8% - valued at around £13m - on the previous quarter.

The total value of Northern Ireland's building sector between 1 January to 31 March was £707m, a drop of 5.2% on the same quarter in 2008.

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said continuing public sector investment in the local construction industry was vitally important.

"Over the past year, the construction industry in Northern Ireland has faced many challenges as areas such as private house building have suffered a noticeable decline in output," he said.

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"With this downturn in private sector investment, the growth in Executive spend has become even more important for local firms."

Mr Wilson said last year his colleagues approved almost £1m a day extra in capital projects.

"This money is helping many local construction firms through the current downturn whilst investing in our local infrastructure and economic future," said the Minister.

Mr Wilson pledged to continue to push for the effective roll-out of the Executive's Investment Strategy.

"It is important that all sectors of the construction industry have maximum visibility of forthcoming construction procurement opportunities."

He added: "I have asked the Central Procurement Directorate to work with all Government construction clients, and their Centres of Procurement Expertise, to provide this visibility and to ensure that projects are brought to the market place at the earliest opportunity."

(PR/JM)