August 2009

STONE ME! NORTHERN IRELAND STONE USED ON LONDON’S M25!

When it comes to quality Northern Ireland products, we go that extra mile, quite literally!

For the stone from Craigantlet Quarry was used to build London’s M25 motorway and the runways in some of the city’s airports.

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson learned this today on his visit to Craigantlet Quarry, Co. Down. The Minister also heard at first hand how local companies can succeed within and beyond Northern Ireland, despite the economic downturn.

During the visit, the Minister said: “It is encouraging to see how the recent record investment in infrastructure by the Executive is benefiting the Quarrying Products Industry, especially during the difficult times the industry is facing. Almost £1,700million in gross capital investment has been taken forward in 2008-09 with almost £1million a day of additional investment, providing a real boost to the local construction industry.

“My Department has been working closely with the Department of Regional Development and the Quarry Products Association to examine further ways in which we can help the industry and to ensure budget allocations are fully utilised and allocated to the areas of greatest need.

“The release this morning of the latest Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin highlights the ongoing significance of public sector spend for local companies.  This investment in construction is not only helping local firms through the current downturn, it is also laying the foundations for a more prosperous economy in the future.”

He said: “The Executive’s planned level of capital investment over the next two years, as set out in the Budget for the period 2008-11, will offer a range of significant opportunities to bid for Government contracts.  The successful performance of Craigantlet Quarry, and others operating in the construction sector, demonstrates that local firms have the capabilities to bid for and win contracts in other regions of the UK and further afield.

“It was interesting to discover that the stone on the M25 motorway and runways in some London airports came from Craigantlet Quarry and that the Quarry retains the record for the furthest exports of concrete aggregates from the UK – to the Falkland Islands.

Mr Wilson concluded: “I would encourage all firms to bid for local contracts and also seek opportunities further afield as export business helps to improve the economic prospects of Northern Ireland.”

Gordon Best from the Quarry Products Association welcomed the Minister to the quarry.  He said: “The QPANI are delighted to welcome the Minister to one of our exemplar sites today. We share the Minister's commitment to improving health and safety, promoting sustainable development and growing the local economy. The standards that the Minister has seen today are becoming more common place across our industry in Northern Ireland. Our industry has been badly effected by the economic downturn and we appreciate the Minister's support through what have been very difficult times.”   

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Craigantlet Quarry is owned by QPANI member company Tarmac Ltd which is a fully owned subsidiary of the Anglo American Worldwide Mining Group. The quarry is part of the Northern Ireland business purchased from private owners in 1973 by the Wimpey Group which was in turn sold to Tarmac Ltd in 1996.  Other operations within NI are located at Hightown and Mallusk in Newtownabbey, Ederney, Co Fermanagh and at Drumquin and Newtownstewart in Co Tyrone.

For further information please contact Gordon Best, Regional Director, Quarry Products Association, Nutts Corner Business Park, Crumlin BT29 4SR

Tel 02890824078 Fax 028 90825103 email info@qpani.org  mobile 07876 136929