Menu
03/08/2021
New Supports Announced For NI's Construction Industry
New supports have been announced to help government contractors with "the rising costs of raw materials" has been announced by Finance Minister, Conor Murphy.
Making the announcement, Minister Murphy said: "Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the availability of construction materials with global demand, product shortages and delivery delays leading to market volatility and increased prices.
"Government contractors are experiencing escalating costs and delays in getting materials which they could not have foreseen when they tendered for government work. I have listened to the concerns of the construction industry and want to do everything in my power to ensure there is no risk to the completion of important projects.
"I am pleased the Executive has agreed my proposals to make provision to manage delays in supplies and to include mechanisms in existing and new contracts to make allowances for inflationary prices. This will provide vital support to our construction industry which will play a key role in our economic recovery while also ensuring important government projects such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects are delivered."
Mark Spence, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation added: "We welcome this vital lifeline for local contractors who for many months have been shouldering the escalating burden of unforeseen global price increases and material shortages whilst ensuring public works continue to be delivered.
"We particularly welcome the Minister's recommendation for all new government contracts to provide protection from such external factors in the future. NI construction employers are essential partners to the Executive in delivering every aspect of public services and have continued to do so throughout the pandemic. These proposals start to address the previous imbalance of risk in taking on government contracts and can assist in ensuring continued delivery of public investment in infrastructure.
"Between now and the review point at the end of September, we will be constantly monitoring industry feedback on the Advisory Note – however we very much hope that it gives a strong basis for many of the current challenges facing our membership to be proactively dealt with."
Making the announcement, Minister Murphy said: "Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the availability of construction materials with global demand, product shortages and delivery delays leading to market volatility and increased prices.
"Government contractors are experiencing escalating costs and delays in getting materials which they could not have foreseen when they tendered for government work. I have listened to the concerns of the construction industry and want to do everything in my power to ensure there is no risk to the completion of important projects.
"I am pleased the Executive has agreed my proposals to make provision to manage delays in supplies and to include mechanisms in existing and new contracts to make allowances for inflationary prices. This will provide vital support to our construction industry which will play a key role in our economic recovery while also ensuring important government projects such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects are delivered."
Mark Spence, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation added: "We welcome this vital lifeline for local contractors who for many months have been shouldering the escalating burden of unforeseen global price increases and material shortages whilst ensuring public works continue to be delivered.
"We particularly welcome the Minister's recommendation for all new government contracts to provide protection from such external factors in the future. NI construction employers are essential partners to the Executive in delivering every aspect of public services and have continued to do so throughout the pandemic. These proposals start to address the previous imbalance of risk in taking on government contracts and can assist in ensuring continued delivery of public investment in infrastructure.
"Between now and the review point at the end of September, we will be constantly monitoring industry feedback on the Advisory Note – however we very much hope that it gives a strong basis for many of the current challenges facing our membership to be proactively dealt with."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2002
Awareness week highlights risks of working at heights
Local companies have thrown their weight behind the European Health & Safety Week to raise awareness of the danger of working at heights on construction sites. The safety initiative comes in the wake of incidents in which two men tragically lost their lives as a result of falls.
Awareness week highlights risks of working at heights
Local companies have thrown their weight behind the European Health & Safety Week to raise awareness of the danger of working at heights on construction sites. The safety initiative comes in the wake of incidents in which two men tragically lost their lives as a result of falls.
10 October 2002
Gilbert Ash gives students on-site insight
Construction company Gilbert Ash has hosted an event for a number of HND Building Engineering and AVCE Construction & Built Environment students from Upper Bann Institute, as part of National Construction Week.
Gilbert Ash gives students on-site insight
Construction company Gilbert Ash has hosted an event for a number of HND Building Engineering and AVCE Construction & Built Environment students from Upper Bann Institute, as part of National Construction Week.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
06 December 2010
Construction Forum's Birthday Celebrated
Despite hard times in the beleaguered sector, there was cause for a birthday celebration this week as the Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson backed a milestone in a successful partnership between the construction industry and Government.
Construction Forum's Birthday Celebrated
Despite hard times in the beleaguered sector, there was cause for a birthday celebration this week as the Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson backed a milestone in a successful partnership between the construction industry and Government.
18 March 2014
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
-
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.
