Homeless charity Focus Ireland is calling for the Government to classify the construction of new homes as an essential occupation when new COVID-19 restrictions are announced.
New measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus will be announced this afternoon after the National Public Health Emergency Team made new recommendations this morning.
The measures are expected to include the closure of all non-essential workplaces, as well as tighter restrictions on movement.
Essential occupation
The Construction Industry Federation has called for building sites to remain open – provided they can comply with public health advice.
Focus Ireland said home-building should be “protected as much as possible” as an essential occupation.
It said that workers’ health should remain the top priority and sites should only remain open if construction companies can ensure facilities and work practices meet public health guidelines.
Homeless crisis
The charity’s Director of Advocacy Mike Allen said the Government should not fall into the trap of taking short-term measures that have long-term consequences for the country.
“To a large extent, today's housing and homeless crisis is a result of decisions a decade ago to close down the building industry in a way that undermined the capacity and viability of many constructions enterprises,” he said.
“These measures seemed justified at the time but there was little consideration of the long-term implications.
“It has taken years to bring construction of homes back to life and this capacity needs to be nurtured during the current health crisis.”
Construction
He called on the Government to specifically recognise the construction of homes and public infrastructure as an essential occupation.
“Everything should be done to support these activities to continue and to ensure that the necessary public health practices and facilities are put in place to protect the workers fully,” he said.
The Government is expected to announce the new measures at 4pm today.
Officials will also announce a multi-billion Euro social welfare package to help workers who lost their jobs due to the outbreak.
