Three objectives set out in the Executive’s Programme for Government have guided development of this Investment Strategy. These are:
- Economic – investment in infrastructure to help grow a dynamic and innovative economy, and help to deliver modern high quality and efficient public services;
- Societal – investment in infrastructure to help promote tolerance, inclusion, equality of opportunity and the desirability of good relations, promote regional balance in future development, and tackle areas of social disadvantage; and
- Environmental – investment in infrastructure to help protect and enhance our environment and natural resources.
These objectives can be mutually reinforcing, helping to ensure that development is sustainable. The objectives influence both programme selection, and delivery to maximise returns. We will seek opportunities to promote social inclusion and equality of opportunity in the procurement of infrastructure programmes. This will impact through employment plans; building opportunities for apprenticeships into major delivery contracts – helping those eager to develop key skills valued in the workplace - and through a tendering process that prioritises the most economically advantageous option in this context. Through the procurement process, we will seek to maximise the social and employment opportunities for all our people, addressing existing patterns of socio-economic disadvantage and using prosperity to tackle poverty. Similarly the quality of our environment is an important asset; steps to protect and enhance it through the Investment Strategy will support plans to grow the tourism economy and related jobs across the region, as well as improve a general sense of well-being for everyone.