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North West "still in recession" -
construction chiefs
23.06.16
THE North West is being
"left behind" in the terms of economic growth,
infrastructure and job creation, according to the
Construction Industry Federation (CIF).
A CIF delegation met on Monday with Independent MEP
Marian Harkin to "chart a path to recovery" for the
North West, West and Midlands.
CIF western region director, Justin Molloy said:
"The West, Midlands and North West regions are still
experiencing recession and have yet to see a
recovery. Policy-makers need to recognise the
economic and social benefits of balanced economic
growth across these regions as they provide
thousands of jobs and generate significant economic
growth. |
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Pictured at a delegate meeting with
Independent MEP Marian Harkin on June 20, 2016 are
Justin Molloy, CIF; Charles Wills, Wills Brothers
Ltd; Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan Developments Ltd;
Ms Harkin; Paul Carey, Carey Building Contractors
Ltd and Brendan Henry, Kilcawley Construction. |
"The Government must
take a number of steps to ensure that these regions
are not left behind," he added.
The CIF said the construction industry is hiring an
extra 1,000 people a month in the North West,
Midlands and West.
"Significant investment in infrastructure in the
regions will generate employment in the construction
industry; that in turn will support regional
economic growth and in time provide a
counter-balance to the rapid disproportionate growth
of Dublin.
"At the moment, the economic gravity of Dublin is
leading to young people leaving the regions seek
employment and opportunity. In the long-term, if not
addressed, these regions could isolated and
stagnate."
Mr Molloy said his organisation met with Ms Harkin
to discuss how the EU "can support regional
development and how current government policy needs
to be changed to generate economic growth in the
regions".
He said among the topics of discussion were the
streamlining of the housebuilding planning process
and the way SMEs and contractors tender for public
procurement contracts.
"Providing this access will help SMEs in the region
grow and ultimately hire more people," added Mr
Molloy. |
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