Structural Maintenance Underspend

Oral Answers to Questions — Regional Development – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:00 pm on 1 February 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Ian Milne Ian Milne Sinn Féin 3:00, 1 February 2016

6. Mr Milne asked the Minister for Regional Development for her assessment of the Quarry Products Association's assertion that the £97 million underspend on structural maintenance in 2015 has cost the local economy a further £122·2 million and 650 jobs. (AQO 9513/11-16)

Photo of Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen DUP

I am acutely aware of the pressures facing the local industry as a result of budgetary pressures on capital funding for structural maintenance. I met a delegation from the Quarry Products Association on 30 November to discuss the impacts that budget pressures are having on jobs, the loss of skills in the industry, the need to work across the water and the impact that that has on families.

You will appreciate that I have been in this role for a relatively short time, but I have been active in that time. Structural maintenance is one of my highest priorities, although I am conscious, as I am sure the Member is, that there are many competing priorities at departmental and Executive level. The structural maintenance budget for 2015-16 is estimated at £44 million, leaving a shortfall of £97 million when compared with the independently assessed annual funding requirement. However, that has to be seen in the context of a £454 million investment over the last four years.

I do not doubt that budgetary pressures are impacting on jobs. I met the Minister of Finance to discuss the funding arrangements for structural maintenance. It has to be recognised that the Executive have invested in many high-profile capital road projects over a number of years, which has been a significant boost for the local industry. I am pleased to say that the starting position for structural maintenance in 2016-17 that was announced in the recent Budget is £46 million. I will continue to make strong bids for additional funds as we move through the process.

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker 3:15, 1 February 2016

Thank you. I am afraid that we are out of time for listed questions. We now move to 15 minutes of topical questions.