Group sets sights on 400 building projects

The Construction Industry Federation has published a list of more than 400 road, rail, and building projects it says could be advanced if EU leaders agreed an economic stimulus package.

Last month, it was reported the Government was preparing to draw up a list of “shovel-ready” projects so that Ireland would be in a position to take advantage of any large-scale EU investment plan.

The CIF has now come forward with its own list of projects which it believes could create thousands of jobs across the country if they got the green light.

They range from upgrades to the Cork-Dublin railway line to the construction of new oncology units in a number of hospitals.

The list comprises 421 projects in all, including 319 water service projects, 52 road projects, 11 third-level projects, and 10 health projects.

The CIF says it collated the list from reports previously published by the Government and state agencies, as well as information provided by its own members.

The list includes projects the Government has already mothballed or abandoned because of budget constraints, such as the Thornton Hall super-prison and the Metro North rail link.

CIF director general Tom Parlon said EU funding could solve the constraints and expressed hope that the list would “sharpen government thinking” on the issue.

“The projects listed are labour-intensive and fit in with the Government’s ongoing investment priorities. They would also help stimulate economic growth, not just in selected areas but on a nationwide basis,” he said.

“If this list of projects were implemented then there would be a boost in employment and investment in practically every county in Ireland.

“All that remains is for the Government to secure the package.

“While it was first mentioned while the country was in the midst of the EU fiscal treaty referendum campaign, there has been very little movement or commentary from the Government on the package since.”

However, it is EU leaders — particularly in Berlin and Brussels — who will ultimately decide whether to launch a stimulus package.

The idea of a large-scale infrastructural investment plan to create jobs and kickstart economic growth has been heavily floated in recent months by those arguing that austerity alone will not solve the eurozone crisis.

However, it remains unclear if German chancellor Angela Merkel will consent to any stimulus plan when EU leaders meet for a crucial summit later this month.

As the representative body for employers in the construction industry, the CIF is in favour of such a plan because it would be of massive benefit to its members.

However, the employment potential is also clear: Estimates cited by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar suggest 15,000 jobs are created for every €1bn invested in capital projects.