The construction industry has warned that there are too many systemic barriers that are adding costs and delays to Government-related infrastructure and housing to result in their timely and cost-effective delivery.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) says these blocks threaten to undermine the ambition of this and future governments around policies like the National Development Plan and Housing for All.
"If we don't streamline the planning process, reform public sector procurement, amend the Government’s contract and ensure there are adequate supports for construction companies our housing and infrastructure delivery will be sub-optimal," said Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF ahead of its annual conference today.
"We face housing, infrastructure and energy crises at the moment and in construction, we have a solution if we can remove upstream delays in planning, design, procurement and departmental expenditure."
The conference is also expected to hear that Government attempts to restart the economy are being hindered by underspending in capital budgets.
It claims that across Government departments there are significant underspends on capital.
Mr Parlon said it is internationally recognised that investment in infrastructure is central to generating economic activity and underpins competitiveness.
The CIF has also called for increases in Budget 2022 for bodies like Irish Water, SOLAS and An Bord Pleanála, to help them accelerate their work in order to enable fast delivery of housing and infrastructure.
The organisation also pointed to what is already a strong resurgence in activity after significantly lower levels last year when the sector contracted by -12.7%.
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