Tariffs can significantly impact the building industry in Northern Ireland by increasing costs on key imported materials, disrupting supply chains, and making some projects less viable. Since NI is subject to unique trading arrangements under the Northern Ireland Protocol/Windsor Framework, tariffs can vary depending on whether goods come from GB, the EU, or third countries […]

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to expedite planning decisions for over 150 major infrastructure projects within the current parliamentary term. While the government has not publicly disclosed a definitive list of these projects, several high-profile initiatives are likely to benefit from the proposed reforms. Based on recent announcements and strategic priorities, the following projects […]

In Northern Ireland, as of March 06, 2025, the construction industry is facing significant challenges, particularly following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and the recent agreement on the Programme for Government 2024-2027. The combination of a freshly restored government, delayed infrastructure projects, and historically low housebuilding completions signals several warning bells for the […]

Benefits of Microsoft Project for Clients and Builders Microsoft Project offers significant advantages for both clients and builders in construction and development projects. Here are the key benefits for each group: Benefits for Clients Benefits for Builders

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents-procure-phase The Procurement Act 2023 is a significant legislative reform that overhauls public procurement laws in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Came into effect on 24 February 2025, the Act aims to simplify and modernize procurement processes, enhancing transparency, flexibility, and accessibility for suppliers. Link above to guidance documents. Key Differences from the Current System: […]

To provide a comprehensive view of the housing market in Northern Ireland from 2014 to 2023, I have compiled data on housing completions, average house prices, average rents, and construction costs. The construction cost data is based on the Construction Output Price Indices (OPIs) published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which measure the […]

Based on the two documents “226718 NIAO Major Capital Projects_FINAL LW RES Complete.pdf” and “NI Audit Office Report – Major Capital Projects (follow-up).pdf”, here are the projects ranked by largest cost overruns: The report highlights systemic issues across projects including: The reports emphasize that while individual factors contributed to specific project overruns, there are fundamental […]

In the Northern Ireland Executive, significant infrastructure decisions are primarily the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), led by the Minister for Infrastructure. Key Roles and Responsibilities: Decision-Making Process: While the Minister for Infrastructure holds significant authority over infrastructure matters, major decisions, especially those that are cross-cutting or controversial, are brought before the Executive […]