Several years of under-investment have led to an urgent need for "radical improvements" in the North's infra structure, says the Con federation of British Industry. In a report published yesterday, the group called on the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive to indicate clearly a commitment to deliver the required investment over the next five years.

An additional £600 million sterling (#948.5 million) investment is needed in the transport infrastructure over the next decade to develop and maintain roads, said the report.

Up to £300 million sterling over 10 years should also be channelled into the public transport services due to ageing fleets and declining passenger numbers.

Water and sewerage services in the North are described as "abysmal", running at 80 per cent compliance with discharge standards. An additional £50 million a year would be required for improvements.

The health service and education also required more public expenditure, added the report.

CBI also called on the executive to ensure projects were delivered at the best value for money and has suggested a junior minister be appointed to oversee public private partnerships and achieving value for money.

The body also wants greater levels of "joined up" Government across departments and a restructuring of public administration structures.

The report also suggests that a Northern Ireland lottery be created as the North fails to gain a fair share of the proceeds from the existing British lottery.