The Construction Industry Federation is holding its annual conference in Croke Park in Dublin today, which will focus on addressing population growth.
The CIF is calling for a greater allocation of ring-fenced capital as well as maintenance investment in Ireland’s water, wastewater and electricity infrastructure in Budget 2025.
It says at least 60,000 houses a year are needed to meet demand but that the industry can not build houses at scale without water and electricity infrastructure connections in place.
Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, said the country needs a plan-led approach to infrastructure to ensure critical utilities, such as water, electricity and transport are built to support population growth.
“In Budget 2025, there must be a greater allocation of ring-fenced capital and maintenance investment in Ireland’s water and wastewater infrastructure with meaningful commitment to multi-annual budgets,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
He said that infrastructure that enables foreign direct investment, economic growth and employment is also vital.
“Lack of such capacity will result in our foreign direct investment companies looking elsewhere, which would be a major loss in terms of the further development of our country,” he cautioned.
“In building infrastructure that fosters economic growth and supports technological advancements, we cannot afford a limited perspective. Failing to invest in robust data infrastructure risks us falling behind in global competitiveness. To stay ahead, we must create an environment where technology can thrive,” he added.
