QPANI calls for action on energy prices

Northern Ireland’s construction materials manufacturers call for urgent debate and action on energy prices

THE Quarry Products Association NI (QPANI) has called for Executive action to address the high energy prices that manufacturers in Northern Ireland are having to endure.

The call follows publication by the utility regulator of a report which, for the first time, provides a comparison of electricity prices in Northern Ireland with the rest of Europe.

The key finding of the report, which shows comparative prices for 2011 (the most recent available for 15 EU member states), is that for small, medium and large industrial and commercial customers, electricity prices were among the highest in Europe.

QPANI regional director Gordon Best has echoed calls by Manufacturing NI for an urgent debate followed by action by DETI to address these high energy costs.

‘At a time when many individuals and organizations are doing all they can to attract business to Northern Ireland as well as growing our local industry, these high energy costs are a significant handicap,’ said Mr Best.

‘In our own construction materials sector, manufacturers of concrete products are being forced to seek and win business in GB and overseas markets due to the fall in local construction activity.

‘High energy costs are a barrier to creating jobs and growing our local economy and we are, therefore, calling on the DETI Minister to put it to the top of her priority list.’