Labour TD Jack Wall today welcomed comments by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that the government is to target the creation of 12,000 extra jobs in the construction sector over the next three years.

Mr Wall said: "I am delighted that the construction sector is to be targeted to help former plasters, carpenters and plumbers back to work. After the crash, workers in this sector lost their jobs in the greatest numbers, especially in Athy.

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"With the economy at last picking up it's important we look at sensibly reconstructing the sector. While nobody wants to go back to the crazy building approach of the past, houses are in short supply and we must look at meeting this demand by making residential construction a top priority.

"This renewed focus comes on foot of the home improvement stimulus measures announced in the Budget, which will see homeowners reap tax benefits by using registered tradesmen for home improvement projects."

(CD)