Sir, – In “Builders demand reassessment of concrete levy” (Business, October 14th), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) contends that “the levy is a blunt instrument, which is not targeting those responsible for defects”.
It is unfortunate that many members of CIF, who did build to the standards and beyond, will also be penalised by this levy, but that is the way of life. We all pay in life for the sins of others.
Bearing in mind that the cost incurred by the levy will be a tiny fraction of the cost of a building, it is a non-event.
Perhaps, to be constructive, the CIF can make proposals to cast a wider net within the construction industry, to spread the levy wider and lessen the individual burden.
Shooting the breeze with trailblazer chemists
Kamala Harris is a descendant of an Irish slave owner in Jamaica
Tactical analysis: Clare got their numbers right, but it’s hard to measure sheer magic
Artist and shepherd Orla Barry: ‘Breeding animals is like making an artwork. You’re putting certain animals together’
But one thing is sure. The problems with mica, pyrite, non-existent firebreaks, faulty wiring, etc, were not caused by the taxpayer.
They were caused by members of the construction industry not doing their job properly, and perhaps the wider construction industry should all contribute something.
What is needed also is independent on-the-ground inspection of building projects to ensure that the standards, which the construction industry failed to uphold, are upheld. The Government has not gone far enough to prevent future occurrences of bad building practice, including severe personal penalties for the directors of construction and material companies, as well as those who did the actual building work.
Failing to make people responsible allows them to be irresponsible. – Yours, etc,
DAVID DORAN,
Bagenalstown
Co Carlow.