Midlands construction companies to discuss state of local industry
Midlands construction companies will have the opportunity to discuss the state of the industry locally and how the economic downturn is continuing to affect them in a special briefing meeting with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).All CIF members from Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Laois and Roscommon have been invited to attend an information session at the Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Tuesday April 3 at 10am.Construction company representatives attending will also be informed about the state of the national construction industry and the forecast for the future, services available to companies operating in the UK, the status of negotiations on the Registered Employment Agreement, the Construction Contracts Bill, procurement in the Irish construction industry, compliance with building regulations, the state of local and national housing stock levels and several other issues.CIF director general Tom Parlon said: "It's been a difficult period for construction companies operating in the midlands."The level of activity in the construction sector has collapsed in the last five years."When you consider the level of activity in Irish construction has dropped by almost â¬30bn since 2006, you can see how those construction companies who have survived are finding it so difficult."That is why we wanted to organise this meeting for midlands construction companies and all our members operating in the region. There are huge issues facing companies operating in the midlands and we hope to provide some useful information to all those who attend.""It is the local construction companies who are bearing the brunt of the downturn in construction and they will have strong views as to how we can go about rescuing the industry. We expect there will be a strong level of attendance by the local members at this session."All members of the CIF are invited to attend.There is no fee for booking but members are asked to contact Gillian Ross to book their place on 091 502680 or gillianr@cif.ie.