Michael Wightman, chairman of the CBI infrastructure committee, said: “We believe that there now needs to be a much more strategic handle taken on the prioritisation of infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland, particularly in respect of those whose economic benefits are most tangible.”
Currently five projects are identified for prioritisation. These are the second North-South electricity inter-connector, strategic road schemes including the York Street interchange [M2, M3 and Westlink] and the M2/A6 scheme to enhance connectivity. Early completion of the integrated transport hub at Great Victoria StreetMaximising the destination as a digital hub and maintaining the strategic air link to Heathrow and increasing the number of other routes into western Europe.
According to the CBI analysis, improving the processes for delivery of the infrastructure programmes calls for greater coherence from the Executive. The CBI submission also challenges the instruments that may become part of the programme.