Employment levels in the construction industry are being hampered by rising building costs, according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

Building costs have increased by 1% in the first half of this year according to new figures released by the firm.

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SCSI spokesperson Andrew Nugent said: "Essentially this would confirm that prices have stabilised over the past two years.

"This levelling off - and it follows a massive collapse in prices since they peaked in 2006 and 2007, building prices have fallen by one third over the past five years - and this has had a very painful effect on builders, sub-contractors, suppliers and industry employment levels generally."

(CD)