Construction firms still doing most work in GB
Construction companies are doing almost half of their work outside Northern Ireland, according to the latest data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The lack of significant recovery in the sector continues to force firms to look for contracts in Scotland and England.
“In some respects this is a positive story, demonstrating the competitiveness and excellence of our construction businesses,” said NI spokesman Jim Sammon.
“However, we want to see workloads within Northern Ireland increasing as well, particularly in infrastructure.”
On average firms are doing 43% of their work outside the province, with a third expecting that to rise even further over the next three months.
Although surveyors’ overall workloads increased during the final quarter of last year, it was at a significantly slower rate than in all other UK regions, the RICS and Tughans construction market survey said.
There was a jump in housing construction but all other areas of activity dropped, remained static or experienced only a modest growth.
There was also a significant fall in infrastructure activity - for the ninth consecutive quarter according to the study.
Mr Sammon said investment in infrastructure was a crucial part of rebalancing and growing the economy.
“A lot of our existing infrastructure is ageing and in need of replacement, and we would strongly encourage the policy makers to take a strategic view in relation to where best public money should be spent to make the most positive impact for the economy and society.”
Michael McCord, construction partner with Tughans solicitors, said: “With construction activity in GB forging ahead, and the Irish Government having announced a capital plan worth k27 billion over the next six years, those Northern Ireland construction businesses working outside the region will have cause for optimism regarding the outlook.
“The outlook within Northern Ireland is perhaps less positive.