Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the spiralling cost of building materials. In the last six to eight months, the price of timber has gone up by 50% and this is to increase to 60% by 1 July. Insulation has increased by 20%, steel has increased by 20% and concrete has increased by 10% to 20%. Why are we not issuing tree felling licences in this country, which is one thing that could help? I spoke to a person yesterday who imports furniture. Twelve months ago, he could bring in a 40 ft. container and, for transport alone, the container cost €2,800. Yesterday, that container cost €11,000, meaning an extra €400 is added to every suite of furniture in the container, and that is just for transport alone. What are we doing about the spiralling cost of building materials and what more can we do to deal with this problem?

See this speech in context