Builders’ group urges re-think on grant

THE Construction Industry Federation last night urged the Government to re-think plans to abolish the 3,800 first-time buyers’ house grant.

The call came as criticisms mounted elsewhere of the measure announced in the 2003 spending plans published on Thursday. Union leaders and opposition politicians were joined by social campaigners urging a reversal of the move.

CIF's spokesman, Ciaran Ryan, said the building industry had no vested interest in keeping the measure. "Our members will continue to build homes because demand still remains relatively strong. This will make no major difference one way or another to the market," he said.