CIF publishes list of potential EU stimulus projects
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has published itslist of 421 previously announced projects which could be advanced if theGovernment secures an EU stimulus package. The CIF has identified 52 road projects, 319 water service projects, 11third level projects, 10 health projects, 6 justice projects, 3 motorwayservice areas and 13 miscellaneous projects.
The projects are geographically spread throughout thecountry with 55 in Dublin, 55 in Cork, 29 in Galway andmost counties included in the list.
Speaking about the list, CIF Director General Tom Parlonsaid, “Since the possibility of an EU stimulus package was first suggested, theCIF has been looking into what projects could be included. By going through Government published dataand intelligence provided by our own members, we have been able to compile thislist which identifies hundreds of projects all around Ireland thatcould benefit from the EU stimulus deal.
“The projects listed are labour intensive and fit in withthe Government’s ongoing investment priorities. They would also help stimulate economic growth, not just in selectedareas but on a nationwide basis. For astimulus package to be really effective we need to see a very wide impact,which would not be regionally specific. If this list of projects were implemented then there would be a boost inemployment and investment in practically every county in Ireland.”
“The other strong appeal of these projects is that they wouldprofit the country in other ways. Theprojects included would boost our health services, education, transport,justice and many other areas. When youcombine this with the employment connotations and general economic impact youcan see why the stimulus package could be so important to the future of thecountry.”
“All that remains is for the Government to secure thepackage. While it was first mentionedwhile the country was in the midst of the EU Fiscal Treaty Referendum campaign,there has been very little movement or commentary from Government on thepackage since.
“The CIF hopes that by publishing this list of potentialprojects it will help sharpen Government thinking on the potential stimuluspackage. By seeing just how manyprojects could be impacted by this deal, we believe it could help further theresolve of the Government to advance negotiations with their European partners.
“We would also like to add that we do not claim that theseare the only projects that could be advanced under any package. There may be many more projects which couldalso be included in the deal and which would also provide jobs, investment andother benefits around the country. However we hope this list will act as a strong flavour of what can beachieved if the stimulus package is finalised in the near future,” Mr. Parlonconcluded.
