CONSTRUCTION WORK HALTS EXCEPT FOR ESSENTIAL PROJECTS

Construction sites across the country have closed as new Covid-19 restrictions come into force for all but essential building projects. The CIF says this further disruption will have a significantly bigger impact than the last shutdown, which saw a 10% or €3 billion decline in economic activity in the sector.

Over 222,000 people are employed across the industry. The big concern is around when work can resume if the closure continues beyond the end of this month, as many across the business and commercial sectors believe it will. Conor O’Connell, Southern Region Director with the CIF, said it was very disappointing to have to be closing down again having just returned to work last Monday after the Christmas break.

“This is the second major disruption in the past 12 months. The industry relies on continuity, on good project management, on clear sight lines in relation to availability of employment, and it’s extremely disruptive. It takes significant resources to man up a site and also to shut it down. It’s not simply a question of closing the door and walking away,” he said.

Essential construction projects that are exempt from the shutdown include health projects specific to Covid-19, housing adaptation grants, repairs critical to maintenance for rail and utility projects and roads. Other exceptions include social housing projects that are designated as essential sites by local authorities, as well as education facilities deemed as essential by the Department of Education.

There is also be an exemption for certain large construction projects in the exporting and foreign direct investment sector, based on set criteria. The CIF has urged sites that are set to remain open to review CIF and Government guidelines to ensure they are taking every step possible to work safely during the pandemic. It has also urged companies to secure any sites that will not be operational in the weeks ahead.

Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE