Uncertainty causing slowdown in construction industry

Uncertainty over the current planning system is a key reason for the reduction in the number of house starts this year, the new president of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), Michael J O' Leary said today.

Addressing the Institute's Annual Conference in Athlone, Co Westmeath,

Mr O' Leary said he was alarmed at the forecast reduction in the number of house starts this year.

They are down by an estimated 6,000 on last year when a record number of almost 50,000 new homes were built.