The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has opened the first permanent office of The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in Ireland.

Speaking at the official opening of the Dublin office Mr Ahern explained that the CIOB has long had a presence in Ireland and its profile and membership has grown greatly in the last number of years.

The Taoiseach said the primary function of the CIOB is to provide an educational service to professionals in the construction industry. "This has been a great support to the industry through the period of massive growth and expansion it has experienced over the last 10 years or so," he said.

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"It helps not only to ensure a high level of professionalism, benefiting the industry's clients, both public and private; it also enables the industry to innovate and to respond quickly to changing circumstances."

He added that Ireland's rapidly growing economy has led to unprecedented demand for investment in public infrastructure, housing and commercial development. And he believes Ireland needs to redouble its efforts to pursue this "very necessary investment" in a manner which is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

He concluded: "I am delighted to see that the CIOB is encouraging and helping its members to switch to more sustainable methods of construction - to make our buildings more energy efficient and to use waste or renewable materials in the construction process."

Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive said: "We have been active in Ireland since 1962, but this new office will enable us to provide even greater support to the 2,500 members we have in both the North and the South."

(VB/JM)