The FMB’s Northern Ireland Director, Gavin McGuire was part of a panel presenting to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at Stormont highlighting the need for investment by the Departments of Economy and Communities in a regional retrofit strategy. McGuire highlighted the lack of a clear commitment to a renovation programme for existing homes as well as for disused open spaces.
Northern Ireland water capacity issues
The issue of Northern Ireland’s water capacity limiting developments has been very much to the fore in members’ feedback and discussions with the Department of Infrastructure. The FMB has raised concern over the impact on SME contractors of proposals by the Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd MLA, for more contractor contributions to fund needed upgrades. The financial viability and potential added costs on clients are dangerous potential outcomes from this proposal. In our eyes, freeing up the status of NI Water and allowing it to access more funding for vital improvements is a responsibility of the Executive, to provide basic drinking water and sewage removal.
Programme for Government Consultation
The NI Executive have launched a limited public consultation on their key priorities for the next term. Individual members will have their views on many of these issues and how they affect their families’ lives. From an industry perspective it is good to see housing as one of those nine key areas. We know that both refurbishment and new home building projects have been chronically underfunded, so the FMB will be responding to those areas which touch on skills, housing and investment.
If you feel you would like to respond you can do so on the Government’s website.
