Construction is the solution says FIEC

The European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) has called for greater infrastructure investment to help Europe through the current economic crisis and drive sustainable development.

Speaking at the Federation's annual congress in Madrid last week, FIEC president Dirk Cordeel said, "This will help protect employment in out sector and create a sustainable urban environment for the future."

His sentiments were echoed by Tom Parlon, director general of FIEC's Irish member association, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Mr Parlon said, "We have to get the message across that construction is the solution."

Mr Cordeel also used his keynote address to highlight the difficulties being faced by many construction companies when it comes to raising credit. "It is unacceptable that good family-owned businesses are going bankrupt because of difficulties with short-term borrowing," he said.

He also warned that there may be more tough times ahead for the industry. "Downturns usually take several months to feed to the construction industry because orders are made many months in advance. We may have more difficult times ahead," he said.