Independent body needed to guide new infrastructure

The body representing chartered surveyors across the UK will launch its election wishlist this afternoon in in preparation for the Assembly election.

A commision it says would help ensure billions of pounds worth of investment is made in the best interests of the local economy and society, taking a similar form to the National Infrastructure Commission, which was charged by the UK Chancellor “with offering unbiased analysis of the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs” when it was established last year.

The Chancellor said that it would also hold government to account in terms of delivery.

“Northern Ireland’s infrastructure is aging and in need of significant upgrading so that the region can remain competitive and attractive to inward investment, said RICS Northern Ireland chairman, Andrew Tough.

“Independently assessing Northern Ireland’s infrastructure needs and making strategic decisions in the public interest about where investment should go would be a very positive step towards delivering best value for money and providing a boost to the private sector.”

The document, Investing 4 Growth, also calls on the new administration to act to introduce water charging alongside the use of Public Private Partnerships to fund infrastructure investment

It also recommends:

:: the creation of Infrastructure Business Plans by government departments and the Strategic Investment Board to ensure greater awareness and transparency regarding the economic, social and environmental benefits, and regional significance, of planned infrastructure projects

:: a five-year Regional Infrastructure Delivery Plan of high-value public infrastructure projects, strategically prioritised, including timetables for delivery, funding identified, and delivery partners outlined

:: the development of professional degree level apprenticeships in partnership with professional bodies, industry and academia

“We want Northern Ireland’s political parties to fully recognise the role property, construction and infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and building better communities,” said Mr Tough.

“Our manifesto is intended to help the NI Executive to create an enabling environment for investment, growth and private sector enterprise across the four key areas of land, property, construction and infrastructure.”

The recommendations put forward emerge from the views and insights of RICS members across Northern Ireland, sharing their professional insight into the biggest challenges currently facing the four key sectors, and what facilitated solution-based recommendations a future NI Executive should adopt.

RICS is the principal independent body representing professionals employed in the land, property and construction sectors. In Northern Ireland, the organisation represents 4,000 cross-sectoral members comprising of chartered and associate surveyors, trainees and students.