IT innovation in the construction sector is being held back because of the unreliability of Ireland’s broadband services, Noelle O'Connell Head of Training and Development of the Construction Industry Federation has said.

Speaking before yesterday's Construct IT Conference 2008, Ms O'Connell said the availability, reliability and speed of broadband services are an increasing problem for Irish construction companies.

She said: "In terms of products and processes the construction industry has shown itself to be one of the most innovative sectors in the Irish economy. However, IT problems surrounding the availability of reliable, high-speed broadband services, particularly in certain parts of the country, continue to frustrate innovations.”

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She explained that planning authorities increasingly make information about development plans, development control standards and other aspects of the planning process available online. But difficulties in accessing this information, particularly in terms of downloading plans and strategies often containing very detailed maps and drawings and completing applications online, means time is lost in queues at planning counters around the country.

"Moving the tender process online is another innovation that is not possible without first-class broadband infrastructure, particularly given the level of detail and technical supporting documentation associated with tenders for even the smallest projects. The same is true in other areas of construction," she added.

(VB/JM)