The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government to establish an independent Infrastructure Commission with the power to prioritise and allocate infrastructure spending.

The Construction Industry Federation welcomed extra capital expenditure outlined in the Government's Summer Economic Statement issued and said infrastructure investment is vital to sustain economic growth in the medium term.

-- Advertisement --

CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "The CIF believes the PCP will need to be supplemented with off-balance sheet investment so Ireland’s economic recovery can continue and spread to regions outside the greater Dublin area. At current levels, many essential projects outlined in the PCP will not go ahead within the lifetime of the programme.

"The Government must follow through on Taoiseach Kenny’s intervention with the Commission to request a review of budgetary restrictions on Ireland that are curtailing essential infrastructure investment and damaging medium-term growth prospects.

"This approach will ensure that infrastructure is correctly phased in and generate returns in economic growth to fund further investment. This has the potential to sustain growth, employment and opportunity in the regions over the next 20 years."

(CD/MH)