Business and unions call for jobs boost

BUSINESS AND trade unions say that now is an ideal time to boost employment by stepping up spending on State building projects such as roads and schools.

Employers’ lobby group Ibec, the Construction Industry Council (CIC), trade union congress (Ictu) and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce yesterday called on the Government to “reinvigorate the economy” by spending money on infrastructure.

The organisations want to see the Government maintain spending on building projects such as roads, school buildings and public transport at €5.5 billion a year.

They argue that this level of spending is needed to fund vital projects and would also help to sustain the Republic’s recovery from the recession.

IBEC director general Danny McCoy said that capital investment that supports economic growth has to be fast-tracked.

“With Ireland beginning to emerge from recession, it is vital that the Government reviews its capital investment priorities or risk losing the momentum built up over the last number of years,” he said.

“Despite current economic conditions, the challenge of funding a capital investment programme is by no means insurmountable, and the urgent need for a reduction in public spending should not compromise Ireland’s future prosperity.”