The Construction Industry Federation has said the Government failed to include any stimulus for the construction industry in the Budget.
CIF Director General Tom Parlon said the federation had called before the Budget for the National Development Plan to be used to create jobs in the construction industry and stimulate the economy.
But he said the cuts in capital spending this year meant it would be difficult for the investment promised next year and in subsequent years to take place.
Mr Parlon also criticised what he claimed was an absence of measures to kick-start the stalled housing and property market.
Meanwhile, the Irish Hotels Federation has welcomed today's budget, saying that the measures should provide some foundation for a return to growth in the wider economy over the medium term.
President, Matthew Ryan, said that the budget gives 'a roadmap to bring the country's public finances under control and restore confidence in the economy both nationally and internationally'.
He also said, that while the Federation welcomes the measures announced to stabilise the banking system, the objective must be to provide greater transparency around access to liquidity and to provide small and medium sized enterprises with access to the working capital they need for the day to day running of their businesses.
