Delegates heard the country's physical infrastructure was unable to meet the demands of today's economy. Ireland has fallen from third to 28th position in the world competitiveness stakes.
The Construction Industry Federation Director, Don O'Sullivan, told the General Council of County Councils' AGM that those in charge of planning are charged with a great responsibility.
'At this point in our economic development, delivery of social and economic infrastructure must be our primary concern. We must work together to ensure that it can be delivered efficiently, to a high quality and in the shortest possible timeframe. Above all it must be cost effective,' he said.
He added that borrowing for capital projects, and especially core infrastructure, makes economic sense.
