Swann seeks Stormont support for building jobs

NORTH Antrim UUP MLA Robin Swann has challenged the power-sharing Executive to implement a rescue package for the Province’s construction industry by ensuring as many contracts as possible go to Northern Ireland companies.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Mar 2012, 09:31 BST

He issued the challenge in the wake of one of Ballymena’s leading employers - construction company the Patton Group - confirmed it was shedding around 50 jobs.

Assemblyman Swann said: “While I fully understand there is a terrible economic downturn which has hit the construction industry in our Province very hard. These jobs losses are all the more heart-breaking as Patton is a family business which celebrates its centenary this year.

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“To help the Northern Ireland construction sector get back on its feet, the Stormont Executive must do all in its power to ensure that contracts for any and all building work in Northern Ireland is given to Northern Ireland firms only.

“There must be a consistent message from the various Stormont Ministers. On one hand, there is a scheme to urge consumers to buy Ulster-produced goods but this should also apply to building work in Northern Ireland, too,” said Assemblyman Swann.

Related topics:Northern IrelandUUPProvinceStormont ExecutiveBallymena