Executive needs to ‘get real’on economy
NI Conservatives have called on the Stormont Executive to ‘get real’ on infrastructure and competitiveness after the Autumn Statement. NI Conservative economy spokesman Johnny Andrews says:
‘The executive has no serious vision or plan for the NI economy and our current infrastructure is not fitting for a modern 21st century economy .Commuters and small businesses suffer daily bottlenecks "on the Sydenham bypass and York Road on the Westlink. With extra money for capital spending from the autumn statement these projects must start now. A project to remove the traffic lights and improve that junction at Dee Street must be given immediate priority”
“The Executive has an appalling record in delaying capital investment in infrastructure. They have let us down by pushing vanity projects such as the A5 and the Carlingford bridge and failing to deliver on the likes of the Police College. This extra money from George Osborne is their opportunity to ‘get real’ in prioritizing the economy”
“The Conservative government has confirmed significant real-terms increases to Northern Ireland Executive capital budgets. Funding available for infrastructure investment via the block grant through to 2020-21 will rise by 12% in real terms, meaning over £600 million more for roads, etc.”
Andrews urged the NI Executive to act decisively ‘local construction has suffered hugely during the recession and their problems had been compounded by the ‘dysfunctional Executive’ at Stormont.’ Spending money on construction will help tackle competitiveness problems like high energy and transport costs which cost us so many manufacturing jobs and prevent more foreign direct investment.
“We need a pipeline – a timetable and costed plan on how to use this money over the next five years. It is simply not acceptable for DUP and Sinn Fein Ministers to continue to go on ‘solo runs’ of false promises.”