Construction industry faces massive challenge

It will take at least twelve months before the country’s construction sector gets back to pre-pandemic levels.

That’s according to 350 construction professionals – with almost three-quarters of them ‘very concerned’ at the impact of the pandemic.

The Irish sector is unique in being the only construction industry in the EU completely shutdown due to Covid-19.

And a new survey released by the Construction Industry Federation also found that 93% of those interviewed said that the pandemic is impacting revenues – and 67% have been forced to lay off staff on a permanent or temporary basis.

The largest impact expected is on the turnover, cashflow and supply chain issues delaying delivery.

The CIF survey shows how challenged the industry will be to remobilise the industry after sites reopen on May 18 with many companies expecting to be operating at a sub-optimally for at least twelve months.

“Construction companies have seen 100,000 of their workers lose the jobs in the past month. This survey lays bare the impact of Covid-19 on the construction industry,” said CIF Director General Tom Parlon.

“As the first sector to be allowed back to work, it’s critical that the construction industry can remobilise quickly so it can begin to benefit the wider economy.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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