Builders refuse fixed-price contracts as material costs soar

Construction companies want a fair price variation clause in public contracts for new schools, roads, and other projects

Recent CSO figures show a further rise in the price of steel, cement, and sand.  Picture: Denis Minihane

Nine out of 10 construction companies say they are unwilling to take on fixed-price contracts given the daily rise in the cost of construction materials, a new survey from the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) shows.

The industry body said the results give further support for their call for the urgent reform of the public works contract.