Construction leaders urge movement on bypass

The lack of new transport infrastructure and housing stock in Galway is threatening job creation and Foreign Direct Investment to the city and county, according to a builders’ representative group.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) said the lack of an outer bypass is the biggest stumbling block to new jobs.

The lobby group’s claims echo those made by some of Galway’s biggest multinational employers in the Parkmore Business Park – who said no further investment will be made here unless the chronic traffic situation is addressed.

The CIF’s Regional Director Justin Molloy said: “The lack of commencements dates for critical infrastructural projects in the Region, such as the Galway Outer Ring Road, is threatening the further development for the area in terms of jobs, housing, and accessibility.”

While several thousand empty houses were left around the county during the collapse of the property sector, there is a recognised shortage of new stock in the city and its outskirts.

“Additionally, the housing supply in the area must be expanded if we are to retain job seekers to the area and attract Foreign Direct Investment.

“As a result, residential construction activity will need to resume in a significant way in the region over the next few years,” said Mr Molloy.

He said the appointment of a Minister for Infrastructure and Construction is essential for balanced regional development.

“We want the political parties to commit now to giving any Minister appointed in this area responsibility for investment in infrastructure with a focus on regional development.

“At the moment the only variable in construction costs are various Government charges, taxes, levies, etc. estimated to be 36% of the sale price of a home.

“Labour and materials are at historical lows in terms of a percentage of overall construction costs, so effectively the only variable to allow the industry to deliver residential units within the price ranges sought by public policy initiatives are costs controlled by the Government,” said Mr Molloy.