Hundreds of national projects could be given green light under stimulus package - CIF

Hundreds of shovel ready projects around the country couldbe given an immediate green light if the Government secures an agreement on anEU stimulus package, creating thousands of construction jobs according to theConstruction Industry Federation (CIF). These projects could be advanced quickly if the funding for growthmeasures is put in place and would greatly reduce the number of unemployedconstruction workers as well as boosting employment in other sectors.

“The CIF is aware of projects all over the country thatwould fit in perfectly with the criteria that are being discussed for thestimulus package,” said Tom Parlon, CIF Director General.  “These would be highly labour intensiveprojects that tie in with Government policy and would provide significant numberof jobs for the construction sector, which has seen the employment levelsplummet in recent years.”

“The other benefit is that many of these projects alreadyhave planning permission in place, so they will not need to go through thatlengthy process.  If the Governmentmanages to secure the stimulus package these projects could be rolled outwithin a matter of weeks or over the next few months,” he added.

“There are rail, road, housing, school, broadband and waterprojects throughout the country that could be advanced quickly if this packageis agreed.  Examples include the MetroNorth project, the new Grangegorman Campus for DIT, the Thornton Hall prison,the Backweston Forensic Laboratory, the M20 Cork to Limerickmotorway and many other road, water and school projects,” said Mr. Parlon. 

“The National Roads Authority list 52 suspended roadprojects that could be moved forward. That would not only be a strong boost to employment, but theinfrastructure put in place will help encourage our economic growth and providea regional spread of activity.”

“If this package does come on board we believe it could be a“game changer” for the Irish construction industry and for the whole Irisheconomy.  It could provide exactly thekind of work, investment and stimulus that will be needed to get the economyoff its knees.”

“If the EU does agree to move this package forward, theEuropean Investment Bank would be the obvious source of funding for theseprojects.  However the qualification criteriafor banks will obviously have to be carefully examined so that Irish banks canbe involved,” Mr. Parlon concluded.