The Irish Construction Industry Federation is backing the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, which will face a public referendum in Ireland in Thursday.

CIF Director Tom Parlon said the passing of the treaty would bring benefits to the industry, and the domestic economy generally.

Strongly supporting the treaty, which has proved divisive across the Union, Mr Parlon said the construction industry should put its full weight behind a Yes vote at Thursday’s election.

Mr Parlon said the Lisbon Treaty, which has confused most voters due to its complexity, would increase inward investment into Ireland and could provide stability amid ongoing international economic uncertainty.

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The CIF Director also drew on the benefits of a Single Market, which will continue to provide employment opportunities. Transport and infrastructure across the country is also set to gain, according to Mr Parlon.

"Membership of the EU has been good for Ireland and good for Ireland's construction industry," said Mr Parlon.

"As the largest sector of the Irish economy, the construction industry wants to see political and economic stability in Europe, to ensure that as an economy, Ireland is best placed to weather the international storm."

Mr Parlon stressed: "There are serious challenges ahead for our economy and our industry and we need to send a strong signal to international investors that Ireland is open for business.”

"A negative vote would do nothing to protect the jobs of over 270,000 people who work in the construction industry," he added.

Ireland is the only EU member state to hold a public referendum on the new treaty, which is derived from the revised EU constitution. The constitution previously failed to be ratified by all members.

If Ireland does not ratify the treaty on Thursday it could throw the entire Union into unknown territory, and possibly bring into question the future of the institution.

(PR/KMcA)