The Irish construction industry could double in size over the next few years
The Director General of the Construction Industry Federation in Ireland has said that the Irish construction sector has the potential to double in size over the short to medium term, saying that "The sector represents about 6.7% of GNP activity in 2014 and is a long way off the 12% level that most economic commentators, and the Government, believe the sector should have as its output.". He said that the government must support the sector in its upcoming budget, in order for it to achieve its potential.﻿

Tanaiste Joan Burton, Construction Industry Federation director Tom Parlon and CIF President Michael Stone (left) launch a campaign at the National Gallery to help unemployed construction workers

The Irish construction sector has the potential to double in size over the short to medium term, it has been claimed.

Speaking at the annual Construction Industry Federation conference in Croke Park, Director General Tom Parlon called on the Government to give more detail on key infrastructure projects.

He also asked for the Coalition to prioritise the sector in the upcoming budget.

“The construction industry can double in size in the coming years, if the right decisions are made by Government and all stakeholders," he said.

"The sector represents about 6.7pc of GNP activity in 2014 and is a long way off the 12pc level that most economic commentators, and the Government, believe the sector should have as its output."

He added: "While the industry is supportive of the Government’s Public Capital Programme, there is a realisation in the construction industry that many of the projects listed have moved from previous plans to this one, while other projects are a long way from ever seeing a shovel in the ground.

"Investment in infrastructure kept many construction firms afloat, but now the industry needs to see more ambition from the Government in terms of a concrete timeframe for the delivery of the major infrastructural projects that the country is calling out for.”