Almost 31,000 bricklayers and over 15,000 electricians will be needed over the next four years to cope with planned construction, according to the Construction Industry Federation.

As a result, the CIF has launched a website targeting Irish construction workers living overseas to fill jobs required to deliver targets in Government housing and infrastructure strategies.

The CIF says the construction industry is set to grow by 9% annually by 2020.

The Demand for Skills in Construction to 2020 report states that construction activity can sustain an additional 112,000 jobs up to 2020 with an estimated €17.8bn worth of projects in the pipeline in 2017.

The report identified the demand for the different professions and trades within the construction industry for the next three years with 30,800 carpenters and joiners, 15,200 electricians and 13,900 plasterers and tilers among the trades needed.

Director General of the CIF Tom Parlon said his organisation is also working with the Education and Training Boards to upskill those on the live register with construction experience and is trying to attract young people into the industry by highlighting the modern globalised careers available.

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