Stormont recognizes local industry’s positive contribution

NI Ministers praise quarry products industry and QPANI members at Quarry 2014 launch event

MLAs and a number of Executive Ministers, led by Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA, have praised the local quarry products industry for the innovation and contribution it makes to rebuilding the local economy and the role it plays in enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the recent launch of the Quarry Products Association NI’s Quarry 2014 industry journal, the Finance Minister said: ‘I firmly believe that we must all work together to revive the local economy and to drive reforms that will underpin a sustainable construction industry.

‘In this regard the contribution by QPANI to the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland has proved invaluable. The partnership between industry and government has helped the construction industry to become more efficient, more safety-aware and has led to its success in gaining substantial volumes of work outside Northern Ireland.

I appreciate the contribution that QPANI makes to the construction industry providing high-quality aggregate materials and helping to shape policy and best practice via its work with the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland.’

The event in the Long Gallery of Parliament Buildings was sponsored by Patsy McGlone MLA, current chairman of the Assembly All Party Group on Construction, and was attended by more than 80 industry representatives, MLAs, government officials and other industry stakeholders.

QPANI regional director Gordon Best said: ‘Today’s event once again reflects the important contribution our industry makes to our economy and the development and maintenance of our infrastructure. It also showcases the wonderful environmental projects that are ongoing between the Industry and many of the leading environmental NGOs such as the RSPB and the Woodland Trust.

‘The message we want to convey in this Journal is that despite the worst recession in living memory, the NI quarry industry and QPANI members are, as we state in our 2013–2018 Agenda Paper, ready to ‘deliver for Northern Ireland and support the recovery’.

Mr Best said QPANI was humbled by messages of support from eight Executive Ministers, including Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise trade and Investment, and Mark H Durkan, Minister for the Environment.

Arlene Foster said: ‘The quarrying industry plays an important role in many aspects of everyday life here in Northern Ireland. I commend the work of QPANI in its support of the industry, and look forward to the continued engagement of the Association with my Department and its associated bodies.’

Mr Durkan said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to commend QPANI for their foresight in recognising the value of a clean and well protected environment and their commitment to improving environmental compliance and performance across the quarrying sector.’

In his closing remarks at the launch event, John Shannon, current chairman of QPANI, said: ‘I would like to thank all those who have contributed to our journal: politicians; partners; industry suppliers; advertisers; and members. The publication is a showpiece for our industry and should sit proudly in our reception areas and lobbies for all to read.’