AQW 21720/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 08/07/2021
Answered On Date: 16/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the impact of Brexit on construction costs in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Increased costs in construction here are primarily resulting from inflationary pressures brought about by global Covid-19 restrictions; international infrastructure investment; and increased home improvements, which are collectively leading to shortages and delays in the delivery of certain construction materials and products.

My Department is working with contractors and their supply chains to ensure that any increased costs and timely delivery of materials are managed in contracts so that essential public services continue to be delivered.

It has not been possible to attribute increased cost as a result of the EU Exit in isolation to the impact of the pandemic.