Further stalling in the outlay of the Irish National Development Plan will cause "irreparable damage" to the civil engineering sector, the industry's leading body has warned.

Continued delays will lead to more job losses and the draining of key skills away from the domestic market, according to the Civil Engineering and Contractors Association (CECA).

-- Advertisement --

Head of the association, Pat McCarthy, said: "The current speculation about projects is already causing uncertainty within the sectors and companies are reappraising planned investments in capacity and skills,

"Without certainty in terms of the future projects, companies will have to downsize their operations and let people go."

Delays and uncertainty surrounding the Metro North line would, according to Mr McCarthy, discourage many large firms from vying for major PPP projects in the country.

"Ireland, has to address its infrastructure deficits," added the Association President.

(PR/JM)