Construction in Ireland could grow by 30% in next four years, say surveyors
The Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI) has forecast that construction in the Republic could grow by 30% in the next four years, creating 30,000 new jobs – but even if it does the sector will still not be back to the size it was before the crash.
The SCSI’s annual report for this year, Construction Sector Outlook 2014, says that while the new jobs will boost total employment in construction in Ireland to about 178,000, the sector will still only account for 7.4% of projected GNP in 2018 compared with the European average of 12%.
And it says to achieve the predicted growth urgent action is needed to encourage activity beyond Dublin, to make finance available, and to overcome a skills shortage left by the economic downturn.
The report shows growth being driven predominantly by the private commercial and residential sectors, largely housing and offices, and wants Government to help by appointing a Chief Construction Adviser to co-ordinate and promote policies aimed at returning sustainable growth to the sector.