Addressing Infrastructure Under-Investment is Economic Imperative - Cree
Speaking at the Strategic Investment Board Conference, Ulster Unionist Candidate for North Down, Leslie Cree, has said that if Northern Ireland is to seize opportunities of the future then overcoming the legacy of decades of under-investment in our infrastructure is not an option – it is an economic imperative.
Addressing the conference at Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Hotel, Mr Cree said: “There is a consensus across all the key stakeholders in Northern Ireland – government, business, civil society, political parties – that investment in our public sector infrastructure has historically fallen far short of what was required.
“The Troubles were, of course, the key contributor to this underinvestment. And the three decades of unaccountable, remote, unresponsive Direct Rule are a reminder of the importance of good governance and accountable political structures to delivering strategic public investment in infrastructure.”
He said that there must be partnership between the private sector, public sector and elected representatives to effectively deliver the infrastructure needed for a competitive economy and cohesive society.
“The task facing the next Northern Ireland Executive is to deliver investment in strategic infrastructure projects which allow Northern Ireland PLC to grow, compete and prosper,” he said.