The Irish Home Builders' Association (IHBA) has expressed deep disappointment at the continued ban on private home building activity, given the industry’s proven health and safety record.

Director James Benson said: “The IHBA acknowledges the seriousness of the current COVID crisis and understands this is a difficult time for so many.

“The safety measures and protocols introduced under the standard operating procedure have proven effective against all variants of the virus. The evidence is clear."

Social housing

“We have had 35,000 workers working on social housing, FDI and designated essential projects since January and the HSE produced figures show only 42 cases of COVID at peak during this time,” he said.

Benson added that the construction ban is totally at odds with all international practice.

Private home-builders contribute to relieving the housing crisis, he said, and the continued ban is short-sighted, unfair and discriminatory.

The construction lockdown will have a knock-on effect on the supply of homes, he warned, with 8,000 units taken out of supply this year.

Restrictions

The extension of these restrictions will mean a further reduction in housing delivery by up to 800 homes a week, he said, and the impact of this decision will be seen in housing delivery for years with a significant shortfall in the 33,000 homes needed per annum.

The IHBA added that the disproportionate restrictions on private home-building further exacerbates the disadvantage of average income earners, and creates the risk of many losing mortgage approvals, and a prolonged period in rental accommodation.