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18/11/2011
Stormont Plan To Boost Construction Jobs
The building trade is to enjoy a boost with news this week that the Stormont Executive has agreed on the Programme for Government (PfG).
In a statement from the NI Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, it emerged that both upgrading of existing homes and the building of news ones are planned as part of the wide ranging strategy.
"Housing is central to individuals well-being be it the ability to access social and affordable housing, either as a tenant or a first time buyer, or enjoying a warm well insulated home that helps tackle some of the causes of fuel poverty.
"I am also confident that the investment we make in housing has knock on effects across, the construction, supply and delivery sectors.
"Whether that be through new build, from house purchase or insulation and maintenance, it all contributes to the economy," he said.
"The announcement is welcome news and sets out a roadmap to support hard pressed individuals, families, communities and town centre businesses during these challenging times.
"Myself, my Department and the NI Housing Executive are up to meeting those challenges, whether that is providing affordable housing, taking steps to alleviate fuel poverty or investing in our communities, towns and cities," said the DUP Minister.
"The priorities as identified in the Programme for Government moving forward are delivering 8,000 social and affordable homes, adding double glazing and appropriate thermal installation for all NI Housing Executive properties (representing a further 50,000 homes) and supporting regeneration of our towns and villages and deprived areas by existing departmental programmes and utilising the Social Investment Fund."
Mr McCausland said this impacts on every community, village, town and city across Northern Ireland.
"Supporting these communities to thrive, regenerate and rejuvenate will be my focus and the announcement paves the way for a more positive future."
However, he also warned: "There are a number of challenging targets for the housing sector in this PfG, but they are targets and commitments to be welcomed."
Welcomed
Meanwhile, Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Trevor Lunn has underlined that the Executive's Economic strategy must indeed help create jobs in the construction sector.
"This is a strong economic strategy and I note the reference made to the construction industry within it. It is very important that the strategy helps create jobs in the construction sector.
"I also believe that the creation of a Green New Deal is key to boosting our construction sector through a home insulation scheme.
"Schemes such as this would also help reduce fuel bills, as well as benefiting the environment. In other countries it is seen as being a key part of the stimulus plans to improve their economies, so I would urge the Executive to put forward our own version.
"I know that Minister understands the critical importance of the construction industry," he added.
"It is key to our wider economy and money invested in construction can have such a massive economic return. It is imperative that we see more employment opportunities in construction to help move the economy forward."
(BMcC/GK)
In a statement from the NI Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, it emerged that both upgrading of existing homes and the building of news ones are planned as part of the wide ranging strategy.
"Housing is central to individuals well-being be it the ability to access social and affordable housing, either as a tenant or a first time buyer, or enjoying a warm well insulated home that helps tackle some of the causes of fuel poverty.
"I am also confident that the investment we make in housing has knock on effects across, the construction, supply and delivery sectors.
"Whether that be through new build, from house purchase or insulation and maintenance, it all contributes to the economy," he said.
"The announcement is welcome news and sets out a roadmap to support hard pressed individuals, families, communities and town centre businesses during these challenging times.
"Myself, my Department and the NI Housing Executive are up to meeting those challenges, whether that is providing affordable housing, taking steps to alleviate fuel poverty or investing in our communities, towns and cities," said the DUP Minister.
"The priorities as identified in the Programme for Government moving forward are delivering 8,000 social and affordable homes, adding double glazing and appropriate thermal installation for all NI Housing Executive properties (representing a further 50,000 homes) and supporting regeneration of our towns and villages and deprived areas by existing departmental programmes and utilising the Social Investment Fund."
Mr McCausland said this impacts on every community, village, town and city across Northern Ireland.
"Supporting these communities to thrive, regenerate and rejuvenate will be my focus and the announcement paves the way for a more positive future."
However, he also warned: "There are a number of challenging targets for the housing sector in this PfG, but they are targets and commitments to be welcomed."
Welcomed
Meanwhile, Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Trevor Lunn has underlined that the Executive's Economic strategy must indeed help create jobs in the construction sector.
"This is a strong economic strategy and I note the reference made to the construction industry within it. It is very important that the strategy helps create jobs in the construction sector.
"I also believe that the creation of a Green New Deal is key to boosting our construction sector through a home insulation scheme.
"Schemes such as this would also help reduce fuel bills, as well as benefiting the environment. In other countries it is seen as being a key part of the stimulus plans to improve their economies, so I would urge the Executive to put forward our own version.
"I know that Minister understands the critical importance of the construction industry," he added.
"It is key to our wider economy and money invested in construction can have such a massive economic return. It is imperative that we see more employment opportunities in construction to help move the economy forward."
(BMcC/GK)
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11 July 2013
140 Construction Jobs To Be Created In Pfizer Expansion
Labour Deputy Robert Dowds, has welcomed the €130 million investment announced by Pfizer today, in two of its sites in Grange Castle, Dublin and Ringaskiddly in Co. Cork. He said: "This news is a strong indication of confidence in the Irish economy by a prominent multinational and major employer.
140 Construction Jobs To Be Created In Pfizer Expansion
Labour Deputy Robert Dowds, has welcomed the €130 million investment announced by Pfizer today, in two of its sites in Grange Castle, Dublin and Ringaskiddly in Co. Cork. He said: "This news is a strong indication of confidence in the Irish economy by a prominent multinational and major employer.
16 December 2011
Social Housing Project Boosts Building Jobs
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
Social Housing Project Boosts Building Jobs
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
17 June 2010
Housing Cuts Mean Job Losses
Any government cuts to housing investment will lead to widespread job loss and plunge the country into an even deeper housing crisis, Shelter has warned. New analysis by Shelter shows that for every pound cut from public investment in housing, the wider economy will take a hit of at least £3.50.
Housing Cuts Mean Job Losses
Any government cuts to housing investment will lead to widespread job loss and plunge the country into an even deeper housing crisis, Shelter has warned. New analysis by Shelter shows that for every pound cut from public investment in housing, the wider economy will take a hit of at least £3.50.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
