The slowdown in the construction sector could result in up to 55,000 jobs being lost in the sector by the end of 2010 without Government stimulus package for the sector, according to a claim by the Construction Industry Federation's (CIF).
The estimate is part of a submission by the CIF to the Government as part of its contribution to the formation of an economic recovery plan.
According to the document construction sector output could fall to €14 billion by the end of 2010 compared with €38 billion in 2007.
The CIF wants new incentives for first time buyers and an insulation scheme to improve the energy rating of older properties.