Construction employers and unions have united to warn that there will be significant further job losses in the sector unless the Government sanctions new public infrastructure projects.
Speaking at a briefing in Dublin, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation Tom Parlon said that if the Government continued its policy of entrenchment rather than stimulus, unemployment would continue to rise.
However, Taoiseach Brian Cowen defended the Government's record, saying it had committed to spending €40 billion over the next six years in capital projects.
IBEC, ICTU, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Industry Council told briefing attendees that as building projects like the Aviva Stadium end, many workers will end up unemployed.
Since 2007, more than 140,000 direct construction jobs have been lost, with emplyoment dropping from 270,000 to 13,000. Thousands of other ancillary jobs have also been hit.
The annual value of the sector is set to fall from €40 billion to €10 billion.
All speakers highlighted one problem: the Government isn't commissioning enough new projects.
The united business groups and trade unions are demanding that the public capital programme should be maintained at at least €5.5 billion a year, with a target of 5% of GDP for Government capital expenditure.
They say this would increase domestic demand and help to boost the economy. They want projects of most economic value to be fast-tracked.
Speakers said the money for projects could be raised, if the Government would approve them.
Speaking at today's briefing, IBEC director general Danny McCoy said, 'With Ireland beginning to emerge from recession, it is vital that the Government reviews its capital investment priorities or risk losing the momentum built up over the last number of years.
'Despite current economic conditions, the challenge of funding a capital investment programme is by no means insurmountable, and the urgent need for a reduction in public spending should not compromise Ireland's future prosperity. Capital investment that supports economic development must therefore be fast tracked.'
Also speaking at the briefing, ICTU general secretary David Begg underlined the link between growth and jobs. 'The only sustainable route out of this crisis is through job protection and the creation of new work opportunities,' he said.
'It is worth noting that whatever our differences on other major issues, there is consensus between unions and employers on the centrality of jobs to any recovery. Unfortunately, Government has been noticeable by its absence and its inaction.'
At the event, the Construction Industry Council launched its manifesto 'Building a Better Ireland', which calls for an immediate, tangible commitment to specific projects.
