Irish builders were ordered to pay more that €150m in back taxes and penalties following an investigation by the Revenue Commissions.

The Revenue targeted several companies throughout the construction industry following suspicions that many rogue firms were failing to pay tax. They were particularly concerned that many sub-contracting firms were not tax compliant.

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According to the figures, the Revenue audited 3,807 building firms resulting in the payment of €129.6m in taxes, interest and penalties.

The Revenue also carried out 40,000 "assurance checks" on returns filed by building companies, which yielded a further €21.8m.

Audits on construction companies accounted for 26% of all checks carried out by the Revenue in 2007.

(NS/JM)