Construction firms '˜doing almost half their work outside Northern Ireland'

The lack of significant recovery in the construction industry has forced firms to look elsewhere, with most seeking work in England and Scotland, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

Jim Sammon, Rics Northern Ireland spokesman, said: “In some respects this is a positive story, demonstrating the competitiveness and excellence of our construction businesses. 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 of Northern Ireland, with a third expecting workloads outside the region 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 private housing construction but all other areas of activity dropped, remained static or experienced only a modest growth, it was found.

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.

He added: “We need better roads and railways, schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure to meet our sustainable energy needs. 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 27 billion euros 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.

“However, it is vitally important that all efforts are made to invest in and improve our infrastructure to support the development of the local economy.”