Up to 10,000 jobs will be created in the construction industry over the coming year, it has been claimed.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), which represents builders, said public and private projects, a demand for new housing in some urban areas and home renovation schemes are behind the predicted upturn.

It is the first time since the height of the property boom in 2007 that there are reasons to be optimistic, according to Tom Parlon, CIF director.

"We are expecting to see a strong increase in construction activity during the course of the coming year," he said

"For the first time in seven years there are a lot of reasons for the construction sector to have a positive outlook for the upcoming year."

The CIF said building work to the value of 11 billion euro will be carried out in Ireland during the year - up over one billion euro compared to last year.

This will be made up of large and medium projects already in preparation, as well as expected works from the release of 4 billion euro from the country's toxic assets agency Nama.

The CIF said it is expecting a "modest" increase in house building in larger towns and cities, while the government's Home Renovation Incentive scheme should encourage smaller building jobs.

It has also predicted a return to commercial construction in Dublin as demand grows for corporate office headquarters in the centre of the capital.

"You can see a wide variety of reasons why we expect the industry to grow on a macro level in the next 12 months," said Mr Parlon.

"The sector turned the corner in 2013 and all the expectation is we will see further growth during the year."

Online Editors