Capital works across the country are being stalled following the breakdown of talks at Stormont.
SDLP’s Justin McNulty has said there is a real onus on all political parties to get back up and running again.
“We are all too aware the impact of not having a working Executive at Stormont is having on the community and voluntary sector, school budgets and getting some works done by Roads Service / Transport NI,” said Mr McNulty.
“I am also now deeply concerned that the lack of an Executive is now starting to hit major capital projects.
“In recent weeks I have been contacted by leaders across the public sector who are concerned about committed funding for various capital projects. These range from health, education or larger road schemes.
“Bids have been made, funding had been secured and yet the pause button has been pressed on many projects. This is absolutely appalling as projects are stalling and jobs are at risk.
“Too often I have raised issued with departmental officials and despite agreeing to complete various parts of works, I am told there is no money.
“With some of our larger projects they are being paused or not progressing as they should do. This is wrong.
“People are fed up with the stop-go nature of our politics and the constant blame game. They’re witnessing at first had the real impact of political instability.
“The parties have a short window to get Stormont back and running after this election is over and all parties must get down to work next week.
“Our communities will not forgive those of us elected to do a job if there is no progress on re-establishing Stormont and the Executive.”
