09.41 13 May 2021
Figures obtained by Newstalk show that almost 35000 construction workers are currently availing of the pandemic unemployment payment despite the industry being back up and running full time since May 4th. Joining us this morning to discuss this is Director General of the Construction Industry Federation, Tom Parlon.
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Over 30,000 construction workers are claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Newstalk Breakfast has learned that almost 35,000 construction workers are currently availing of the PUP - around 20% of the estimated workforce in the sector.
That s despite the construction sector being allowed to fully reopen since May 4th.
The Construction Industry Federation says 40% of the industry stayed open during level five lockdown, for projects that were given exemptions.
Director General Tom Parlon says it s his understanding that more people are now returning to work every day and every week .
Over 30,000 construction workers currently claiming PUP
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Newstalk Breakfast: I was a little bit surprised by the [over 30,000] figure, but when you look at the other side of it it shows 80% of workers are back.
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A Kerry school has won the overall award in a national house design competition.
Castleisland Community College took the top honours in the Construction Industry Federation s first Design A Home competition.
It challenged students to work together to design a home to solve climate change, the housing crisis and address inclusivity.
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The Castleisland Community College entry, “No Man is an Island” was praised for its innovation, sustainability and vision.
The school s entry will be rendered into a three-dimensional model next year.
The school will also receive high-end measuring and wi-fi equipment and the winning students will have the option of a CIF scholarship if they decide to embark on a construction-related career route in the future.
‘The beginning of the end’: Limerick business reacts to Covid-19 re-opening plans
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“IT’S the beginning of the end – definitely a step in the right direction”.
The reaction of local publican and Vintners Federation of Ireland representative Paul Flannery to the news that scores of businesses will re-open over the next two months.
Companies which have not yet opened in 2021 will finally begin to start trading again from May 10, with pubs due to open to outdoor business a month later on Monday, June 7 – dependent on the progress in reducing Covid-19 numbers. For more information, click here.
Mr Flannery, who runs his family pub in Shannon Street, said: “It’s definitely a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go.”
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It s hoped that more restrictions
Housebuilders say the sector’s five months of the shutdown could delay construction targets by five years.
It comes as industry figures say there are concerns about an exodus of skilled staff.
After months of lockdown, construction is expected to fully reopen as soon as next week. But there are worries that the restrictions may already have caused lasting damage to the industry.
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Construction Industry Federation boss Tom Parlon says many Irish building workers have gone abroad, and may not return. House building resumed earlier this month.
But James Benson of the Irish Home Builders Association says the lockdown will cause major delays. He says while the industry had hoped to build 33,000 homes by 2023, this is now unlikely to happen.