Stormont Recognises Local Industry’s Positive Contribution

Five Executive Ministers, led byFinance Minister, Sammy WilsonMLA, have praised the local quarryproducts industry for theinnovation and contribution itmakes to rebuilding the localeconomy and the role it plays inenhancing the quality of life foreveryone in Northern Ireland. The Finance Minister wasspeaking at the launch of theQuarry Products Association NI2012 Industry Journal. Making hisaddress, the Minister stated: “I amwell aware of the current difficultiesfacing members and businessesrepresented by the QuarryProducts Association. I, along withmy Executive colleagues, are fullycommitted in doing all we can tosupport the industry by ensuringcapital expenditure levels aresustained as far as possible in thecurrent economic downturn.” The event, held in the LongGallery of Parliament Buildings,was sponsored by Patsy McGloneMLA, current Chairman of theAssembly All Party Group onConstruction, and was attended byover 80 industry representatives,MLAs, Government officials andother industry stakeholders. Opening the launch event, PatsyMcGlone paid tribute to the activeparticipation of QPANI in the AllParty Group. He stated: “The AllParty Group is an important focusof influence through which we can,together, set in place theconditions and initiatives requiredto generate sustainable economicgrowth in the construction sector.” QPANI Regional Director, GordonBest, said that “the fact that wehave five Northern IrelandExecutive Ministers making acontribution to this year’s Journaland the large attendance at ourlaunch today is no coincidence.We are greatly indebted to ourMinisters and MLAs from everyparty who have shown consistentsupport for our industry during thispast number of difficult years. It iswidely recognised that the quarryproducts sector makes asignificant contribution to the localeconomy, particularly in ruralareas.” Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster,commented: “The quarry industryplays a key role in producing theraw materials that Northern Irelandneeds to develop and maintain itsinfrastructure, build new homesand keep our road network in goodcondition. Its importance to oureconomy, particularly in ruralareas, is crucial.” Nelson McCausland, Minister forSocial Development, said: “WhenI recently met with representativesof the QPANI I assured them Iwould do all I could to supportthem and their members throughthese challenging times. I waspleased that they equallyrecognised the need to play theirpart and help me in the delivery ofmy own priorities. That has got tobe the way forward, workingtogether and delivering highquality outcomes that will meet ourtwin objectives in providing qualityand sustainable end product whilstsupporting local jobs andrecognising the need to beinnovative in achieving this.” In his closing remarks at the event,Clive Grudgings, current Chairmanof QPANI, said: “Investment inconstruction projects bringssignificant returns to the NorthernIreland economy – It generatesjobs, and we can play a significant role in helping to grow oureconomy. We may face significantchallenges but by workingtogether, the construction industryin general and the quarry productsindustry specifically can help buildthat road to prosperity – a road weare all hoping

Floating wind turbines are to bethe initial focus of a newagreement between Britain andthe United States afterinternational talks were held inLondon to accelerate thedeployment of clean energytechnologies. The Clean Energy Ministerial wasco-chaired by UK EnergySecretary Edward Davey and USEnergy Secretary Steven Chu.Alongside the talks, Ed Daveysigned a number of bilateralagreements with counterpartsfrom other governments to workin collaboration over the comingyears. The UK and US will agreeto collaborate in the developmentof floating wind technologydesigned to generate power indeep waters currently off limits toconventional turbines but wherethe wind is much stronger. Energy Secretary Edward Daveysaid: “Britain has more windturbines installed around itsshores than any other country inthe world and our market is ratedyear after year as the mostattractive market amonginvestors. “Offshore wind is critical for theUK’s energy future and there isbig interest around the world inwhat we’re doing. “Turbines will be able to locate inever deeper waters where thewind is stronger but without theexpense of foundations down tothe seabed or having to undertakemajor repairs out at sea. “The UK and US are both makingfunding available for thistechnology and we’re determinedto work together to capitalise onthis shared intent.”