BPFI calls for more construction workers from abroad as 35,000 new homes are delivered

James Cox

Around 35,000 new homes will have been delivered by the end of the year.

The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) is warning that housing start-up's remain subdued, only slightly above the level seen in 2016.

Its latest Housing Market Monitor shows that employment in skilled construction trades has fallen by around 35 per cent since 2007.

Chief economist with BPFI Ali Ugur said we urgently need construction workers from abroad if housing targets are to be met.

Mr Ugur told Newstalk: "In terms of the skills, I think the capacity restraints are probably still there. In our new updated housing plan, in terms of apprenticeships it's a tricky one.

"You're going to need more labour and that may mean bringing in more workers from abroad. At the same time, it's a problem across the EU as well in terms of the skilled trade in the construction sector and the gap between demand and supply."