Concrete Technical Committee

The Concrete Sector has seen a very buoyant 2006 with volumes, according to our monthly statistical reports up over 20% for the year. This is reflected in the cement figures that show usage at an unprecedented level in Northern Ireland with some 1000kg of cement being used per head of population. This compares to 1200kg in the ROI and approximately 250kg in GB. The Concrete Technical Committee linked up with Queens University in 2006 to carry out a survey in water discharge control from members sites. That survey is still ongoing and results from it should be available in the Spring. In the area of training the Association, in partnership with Omagh College has set up the Concrete Technology Course. The Course will hopefully see the provision of quality, cost effective and nationally recognised training here in Northern Ireland.

As already stated the Concrete Products sector is coming under more competitive pressure from the likes of the timber and steel sectors as well as the need to reduce carbon footprint. I firmly believe that the need is there to have a resource put in place in Northern Ireland that will enable concrete and its benefits to be promoted and highlighted to Government Procurement Departments, Professionals such as architects and engineers and major public and private sector clients. The rolling out of the Investment Strategy for NI, increased private sector investment and the fact that other sectors are spending thousands of pounds promoting the benefits of their products or construction methods mean that failure to act will result in loss of business and market share for the concrete sector.

The NI Cement and Concrete sector needs to raise its profile, highlight the many positive aspects of using concrete and head off any threats that would see the sector experience a reduction in market share of the construction industry. The projections for growth of the NI Construction industry in Northern Ireland means that we need to maximise market share and return on investment for our member companies and the overall sector. The vast amount of expertise and information that is available through ICF, the Concrete Centre, Concrete Society and BRMCA means that we have vast pool of information and expertise. This will be enhanced by the already excellent links that QPANI and CS has on the Construction Industry Group, the Construction Industry Forum and Construction Excellence and relationships with key individuals within many Government Departments, the Sustainable Development Forum for NI, ICE, CBI and the Universities.

Committee Members