Finance Minister Launches 'QUARRY 2012'

Finance Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE), Sammy Wilson, commended the Quarry Products Association for its valuable contribution in helping to shape policy and best practice for the delivery of construction projects in Northern Ireland.

Smiley Monroe were among the industry guests at Stormont in Belfast this morning as the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) launched their biennial journal.

Speaking at the event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Sammy Wilson said:

"'Quarry 2012' portrays a positive message about the vitality, innovation and strengths which many members of the Association have shown in the present economic climate. The past few years have seen the industry face up to and survive what is undoubtedly the most challenging period in recent times."

QPANI Journal puts spotlight on positive partnerships and vitality of local industry

The event, sponsored by Mr Patsy McGlone MLA, Chairman of the Assembly All Party Working Group on Construction, was attended by over 80 QPANI members, stakeholders, government officials, Ministers and MLAs. The highlight of the event wasl the official journal launch and speech by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.

Opening today's launch event Patsy McGlone paid tribute to the active participation of QPANI in the All Party Group:

"The All Party Working Group is an important focus of influence through which we can, together, set in place the conditions and initiatives required to generate sustainable economic growth in the construction sector".

QPANI Regional Director, Gordon Best, said:

"The fact that we have five Northern Ireland Executive Ministers making a contribution to this years Journal and the large attendance at our launch today is no coincidence. We are greatly indebted to our Ministers and MLAs from every party who have shown consistent support for our industry during this past number of difficult years. It is widely recognised that the quarry products sector makes a significant contribution to the local economy, particularly in rural areas".

Gordon thanked the Ministers for their contributions, partner organisations, members, industry suppliers and all those who placed advertisements and editorial, without whose support he said, the journal would not exist. He also went on to thank 4 square media, the publishers, for all their hard work.

Pictured above are (L-R): Gordon Best (Regional Director, QPANI), Patsy McGlone (MLA, Chair of the All Party Working Group on Construction), Sammy Wilson (Minister of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland Executive) and Clive Grudgings (Chairman, QPANI)