An umbrella group representing stakeholders across the construction sector has called for a return to the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to address the public sector budget crisis and prevent streetlights being switched off.
The Northern Ireland Construction Group, whose members benefit from the rollout of infrastructure and other build projects, said budget cuts announced in April by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris have been further eroded by inflationary pressures leaving many essential government services and capital plans.
It said it was concerned at proposals being considered to reduce costs by the Department of Infrastructure such as switching off streetlights providing no winter road gritting, reducing water and wastewater services, redrawing public transport provision and a reduction to ‘emergency-only’ services for road maintenance and flood risk management.
In addition, it said it was wary of the Department for Communities proposals to reduce the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s budget, a move which it said will impact the ability to deliver its plan to “deliver better homes and support people into independent living”.
Jenny Green, Chair of NICG and Northern Ireland Director for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), said the budget crisis will have far-reaching implications.
“The feedback on the Departmental proposals from the groups we represent is alarming as they will impact on every citizen and visitor to Northern Ireland – and some of the options under consideration could well put people at serious risk of harm,” she said. “Beyond that, there are implications looming for the wider economy and, in particular, for our young people.
“While NICG understands that the budget situation is difficult but, if allowed to continue, we will see skilled workers seek opportunities elsewhere and will reduce the scope for skills development across our workforce. This will reduce our economic output and our attractiveness for inward investment in the future.”
She also said political leadership is needed to address the climate crisis, and to put in place the policies and resources to deliver on the net-zero and decarbonisation commitment while helping to address the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by households.
“The construction industry has a key role to play in the maintenance and operation of our essential infrastructure and is working to support the delivery of net-zero and other objectives. However, political leadership is needed and NICG calls for an immediate return of the NI Executive and the Assembly.”
NICG comprises of a number of industry bodies in the building and infrastructure sector in Northern Ireland including:
· Actuate UK
· Association for Consultancy and Engineering
· Construction Employers Federation
· Construction Professionals Council NI
· Federation of Master Builders
· Institution of Civil Engineers
· Mineral Products Association Northern Ireland
· Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
· Royal Society of Ulster Architects
