NEWS
RSUAQUESTIONSWHYTHERESPONSIBILITYFORPUBLICPOLICY IS BEINGLEFTTO INDIVIDUALCOMPANIES...
A lack of clarity
T he Royal Society of Ulster Architects has called for greater clarity from the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to construction. Not in dispute is the need for measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, but the question remains as to what exactly constitutes ‘essential’ construction. Uncertainty still exists, despite the Department for the Economy publishing a list of priority sectors and workplace safety guidance. Responding to that publication, RSUA President, Joan McCoy, said: “In every other part of the UK and Ireland there is clarity on what construction activities are currently allowed. The list and guidance provided by the NI Executive does not provide sufficient clarity and is only advisory. The decision on whether to proceed with any or all construction activities has been left with individual companies. This is a question of public policy and should not be left in the hands of individual businesses.” The RSUA President questioned the list’s real world application: “A list of priority business activities is meaningful if they are the only ones permitted. However, the priority sector list for Northern Ireland does not appear to have this status. Therefore, it is unclear what relevance the priority list has. The Minister has said that if a company can work within the social distancing guidelines, then it should do so. We understand that this means that all construction activities are allowed during this three week period where social distancing guidelines can be adhered to. However that does not provide clarity on what should happen where social distancing guidelines cannot be applied. Is this where the list of priority sectors
Joan McCloy, President of the Royal Ulster Society of Architects
“We shouldn’t be guessing. Construction clients need answers. Should they expect people back on site or not.”
becomes relevant?” It was also noted that the construction sector was not part of the consultation process. “We shouldn’t be guessing. Construction clients need answers. Should they expect people back on site or not. It is notable that the construction sector was not directly represented on the Department for Economy’s Engagement
Forum. It is a sector with a complex network of businesses that contribute significantly to the economy. It’s a particularly challenging sector to turn off and on and government needs to hear that message.” T: +44 (0)28 9032 3760 E: info@rsua.org.uk www.rsua.org.uk
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