The contracts are available to areas with suitable locations, good connectivity, access to a relevant supply chain and strong local skills. Ms Armstrong said Northern Ireland could offer all of that but added she was concerned the lack of an Executive meant any opportunity could be lost.
“We currently have no Minister for Infrastructure or functioning Executive to progress such a regionally significant investment project.
“If the DUP and Sinn Fein were not so determined to put party priorities before the public’s, we would have an Executive able to take forward a bid to ensure Northern Ireland has a share of the £15 billion.
“This investment would support our construction industry at a time when it needs a substantial income boost. But the opportunity could now be lost without progress in the talks.”