Government insist building costs bailout not a 'free-for-all'

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said the new measure is 'necessary' and 'proportionate'.

The Government has agreed to bail out builders working on public projects that are now at risk because of soaring inflation.

An extra €160m could be paid to developers working on roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and other key infrastructure this year alone, which will significantly impact the overall cost and delivery of State projects.