Roads project go ahead gives jobs boost to companies

Hillsborough company Graham Construction, and Farrans (Construction) Ltd from Dunmurry will be the contractors for a section between Omagh and Ballygawley at a cost which is estimated to be around £155m.

The scheme - the biggest road project ever in Northern Ireland - was part of an investment of around £500million for roads announced earlier this week by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy.

Work on the A5 was originally to be financed jointly with the Irish government, but when they pulled out it appeared the scheme would not proceed. But now work on a reduced plan could begin as early as the Autumn, with other work planned for the A8 between Belfast and Larne and a scheme to dual the A2 Shore Road at Greenisland.

Graham and Farrans are two of the largest local businesses, which between them employ more than 2000 people. They said the announcement will provide job security for many employees and sub-contractors as well as creating new jobs.

Alan Bill, Managing Director of Graham Construction, said: “The statement has come as a tremendous relief to many of those involved in the construction industry. With thousands of people still working in construction as well as all the supply chain companies, this will generate huge benefits which will be felt across Northern Ireland.

“Millions of pounds will be pumped back into the economy through wages and the supply of materials and help stimulate many other industries which have become stagnant in these difficult times.”

Eamon Sweeney, Managing Director of Farrans Construction also applauded the announcement, “The news of a multi-million pound investment has been the subject of much speculation and will bring a huge boost to the whole industry” he said.

“Companies have been forced to look outside of Northern Ireland for work and there are many skilled workers travelling to GB for employment. These capital projects will allow many of these people to return home to their families and help ensure the future viability of one of our biggest industries for the next number of years.”

Making the announcement Mr Kennedy said that following a series of meetings with Executive colleagues and work by Departmental officials, he had reviewed spending priorities across the Department.

“This investment will provide a significant boost to the local economy and help to encourage inward investment” he said. “It will provide job security for many and create much needed jobs in the construction industry, across environmental and engineering consultancies, suppliers, contractors, infrastructure specialists and others. It will also offer opportunities for the long-term unemployed, apprentices and students.

“In the longer term it will serve as a catalyst for wider economic growth. If we want Northern Ireland to prosper we have to construct the infrastructure to enable us to compete effectively.”

Lagan Valley MLA and Health Minister Edwin Poots also welcomed the proposals, with funding also being announced for hospital projects at Omagh, Altnagelvin and the Ulster in Dundonald.

“This is good news for local construction companies Graham and Farrans and will see jobs created in the construction industry over the course of the next few years” he said.

“From a health perspective this is good news, with £92m pumped into the health sector. I would hope to be in a position to move forward infrastructure programmes over the next few months. There is significant potential for infrastructural development to take place in Lisburn within the health estate,” he said.

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