Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
549. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the impact that a delay to the issuing of forestry licensing is having on timber prices for the construction sector; the communication he has had to date with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to potential impacts on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30489/21]
View answer550. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an analysis published in the media (details supplied); if his Department has carried out any similar analysis or study; if so, the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30492/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.
Changes in relation to building material costs are monitored and recorded by the Central Statistics Office (Wholesale Price Index for Building & Construction Materials). Issues relating to increases in construction costs generally and measures to address such issues, are matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform convenes the Construction Sector Group to support regular and open dialogue between Government and industry on how best to achieve and maintain a sustainable and innovative construction sector positioned to successfully deliver on the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
My own Department is aware of recent increases in building material costs (including timber costs) and given my Department’s role in relation to public housing, we of course are concerned with regard to construction costs and recognise that significant material cost increases will likely result in increased tender costs. In this regard, we continually monitor tender cost trends through ongoing engagement with colleagues in local authorities and through engagement with other Departments and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). My Department continues to work with each local authority to ensure that projects are developed and progressed in a cost effective manner.
