A8 contracts help to drive the economy, says Wilson

In a statement, Mr. Wilson said: “I was pleased to learn that of the eight sub-contractors that have been appointed to carry out work on the A8, six are based in Northern Ireland. In addition to this, the main contractor has also engaged 28 suppliers of materials, 20 of which are based in Northern Ireland, four in other parts of the UK and four in the Republic of Ireland.

“It is also good to hear that the contactor is providing 13 person weeks of work experience, or employment opportunities for the unemployed, for every £250,000 of contract labour value.

“There was concern expressed that local firms would not benefit from the upgrade of the road and I am pleased that these fears were unfounded and that sub-contractors and suppliers are benefiting from this long overdue improvement to the transport infrastructure in East Antrim.”