Construction

The following actions will be undertaken in 2012 in respect of the Construction sector. We will:

7.12.1 Support the revival of the property, construction and development sector through the reduction in stamp duty rate for commercial property from 6% to 2%, and the introduction of a Capital Gains Tax incentive for property purchased to the end of 2013 and held for at least seven years. (Dept of Finance)

7.12.2 Support construction and related companies with international ambition to expand presence in key geographic territories and target project opportunities in emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa. (Enterprise Ireland)

7.12.3 Target international market opportunities through a range of channels (including Government, major contractors, utilities) and support companies with international ambition to participate in management development initiatives including Management 4 Growth, Excel at Export Selling. (Enterprise Ireland)

7.12.4 Develop, in consultation with stakeholders, a national strategy for the construction sector to 2015 outlining the opportunities, challenges and actions needed to realise the potential of the sector, to retain expertise in Ireland and to continue to develop capabilities over coming years and to contribute to the development of a cluster development initiative for the sector. (Forfás / DJEI)

7.12.5 Review the apprenticeship model including costs, duration and demand with a view to providing an updated model of training that delivers the necessary skilled workforce to service the needs of a rapidly changing economy and ensures appropriate balance between supply and demand. (Department of Education and Skills)

7.12.6 Ensure that labour activation programmes continue to be aimed at enhancing the employability of the unemployed, reskilling, upskilling and keeping redundant workers/unemployed persons close to the labour market and are tailored specific to the needs of this cohort of unemployed. (Department of Education and Skills, Department of Social Protection)

7.12.7 Ensure that HEIs and other providers meet emerging and future skills needs of enterprise within the Green economy relevant to construction (see Section 1 above)

7.12.8 Continue to support 4,500 jobs in the green energy economy, through retrofit grants programmes and other energy efficiency initiatives. (DCENR)