Builders demand minister proves cartel claims

CONSTRUCTION bosses are looking for an urgent meeting with a minister who alleged that a cartel of big builders in Dublin is suppressing housing output.

Minister of State for Housing Batt O’Keeffe claimed at the weekend that some builders in the Dublin area have “shut up shop” in response to the downturn in property prices.

He also said that the cartel is waiting for the present buyer’s market to end before increasing availability of new houses.