Mrs Erskine said,
“This Northern Ireland Audit Office report is an opportunity for the Department for Infrastructure to have an honest reflection on how major infrastructure is being delivered. It’s time to recognise the failures in our system that have been allowed to prevail. Whether it’s the A5, York Street Interchange or some of the projects referenced in the report, there are lessons to be learned for public procurement.
One of my very first actions once the Assembly was up and running was to put forward a motion on planning reform. Planning and the long delays in our complex system is causing some of the issues outlined in the report. I know that the system is turning investors away and it’s a damming indictment that Government can’t deliver its own key projects.
However we also have to recognise that funding is an issue. Reports like this are key to understanding the issues but we must find ways to implement the recommendations and stop the failures.
For our economy to grow, to create thriving communities with more and better jobs, we owe it to every citizen.”