April 2011

NEW ASSEMBLY - NEW HOPE!

QPANI Launches their Agenda for 2011 - 2015

As the date of the Assembly and Council elections approaches that is the hope of the Quarry Products Association NI and its members. The industry has published its “Agenda 2011 – 2015” in which its sets out the important contribution that the quarry products industry makes to the economy and the quality of life of everyone living in Northern Ireland.

QPANI Regional Director said, “We set out, in I hope is a clear way, what our industry can deliver to support a growing economic, social and environmentally prosperous Northern Ireland. The difficulties faced by our industry over the past number of years have reduced employee numbers by over 30%, production is down some 35% and with the massive increase in aggregates levy, increasing planning fees and energy costs we are looking to the new Assembly for leadership in creating a vibrant and growing economy. We will be impressing on all election candidates the importance of getting maximum value out of every pound we spend in Northern Ireland in order that we protect jobs, improve front line services and protect our environment”. 

The QPANI will be presenting their Agenda 2011 -2015 to the local Council and Assembly Election Candidates at a series of forthcoming business breakfasts being held across Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.

Mr Best concluded “While the operating environment is extremely challenging at the moment there are grounds for optimism. Agriculture, tourism and the renewable energy sector are on the up and will require construction aggregates and materials to support that growth. We still have an infrastructure deficit here and it will still need up upgrading. Our industry looks forward to playing its part with any new Assembly and Executive to help construct the recovery of our economy”.

Download the QPANI Agenda 2011 - 2015

ENDS

Notes for Editor

The Quarry Products Association NI represents approximately 95% of companies involved in the supply of quarry products to the Construction Industry in Northern Ireland. Our Association draws its membership from companies engaged in providing primary aggregates, the processing of recycled and secondary materials, the production of downstream products such as asphalt, lime mortar, ready-mixed concrete, precast concrete and road surfacing contracting. The Quarry Products Sector now employs over 3500 people across Northern Ireland and has a turnover of some £500 million.

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  mobile 07876 136929