‘Banks must lend to building sector’

The Construction Industry Federation has called on the banks to start lending to the sector in a bid to stimulate activity in commercial construction.

The call comes less than a week after IDA Ireland raised concerns over a future lack of available office space in central Dublin, saying it has held talks with Nama regarding the possibility of freeing up more large-scale office space to meet growing demand from foreign firms.

Tom Parlon, director general of the federation, said something needs to be done about solving the supply side immediately.