House construction set to return on a phased basis from 12 April
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced that house construction and building work on childcare facilities will return on 12 April, with the rest of the construction industry reopening in May.
Concerted industry effort
Construction industry bodies have made a concerted effort since the start of the current shutdown to get the sector reopened, with TDs across the country being contacted by local builders.
Only essential works on qualifying FDI projects, medical and pharma facilities, essential infrastructure and educational works, and social housing projects nearing completion are currently permitted.
Construction lockdown Ireland
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage estimates that a phased reopening would mean an additional 14,000 workers returning to sites on top of the estimated 30,000-35,000 currently working.
Some members of the Cabinet have been increasingly anxious about the long-term impact of keeping the sector closed.