Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said that planning reform and long-term infrastructure investment are essential to unlocking economic potential.
The South Down MP was speaking at the Construction Employers Federation’s inaugural conference where the CEF launched its ‘Delivery, not Delay’ manifesto for the 2027 Assembly Election.
“The local construction sector can be a strategic partner to create good quality, sustainable jobs and tackle regional imbalance across the North.”
“Sinn Féin’s economic vision is that public infrastructure is the primary engine of sustainable development. That means giving the industry the fiscal certainty it needs; a multi-year capital budget, a long-term Investment Strategy, and an independent Infrastructure Commission.
“Planning must be an enabler of economic development. Following extensive engagement with industry stakeholders in South Down, my office will soon launch a planning performance report that identifies the structural problems and suggests constructive solutions.
“I also welcome the steps taken by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins. The appointment of Independent Planning Inspectors will tackle the appeals backlog and the ongoing Planning Improvement Agenda will drive practical reforms.
“The green transition presents a unique opportunity. A demand-led green skills strategy, linking our colleges and universities to clean energy projects and large-scale retrofitting, means lower energy bills for workers and families and long-term work for local contractors.
“Sinn Féin will continue making the case for fair funding from the British Government and to scale up the Irish Government’s Shared Island Fund.
“This will give local construction firms the long-term confidence to invest in a future that is socially just, regionally balanced, and environmentally sustainable.
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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